1-Hexanol is a six-carbon alcohol with a hydroxyl group at one end. It is commonly used as a solvent, flavoring agent, and in the production of esters and plasticizers.
| IUPAC Name | Hexan-1-ol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14O |
| CAS Number | 111-27-3 |
| Synonyms | Hexanol, Hexyl alcohol, 1-Hexyl alcohol, Caproic alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H14O/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7/h7H,2-6H2,1H3 |
1-Hexanol Properties
1-Hexanol Formula
The formula of hexyl alcohol is C6H14O. It consists of six carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The formula represents the arrangement and composition of atoms in a molecule.
1-Hexanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of hexyl alcohol is calculated by summing up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. In the case of hexyl alcohol, the molar mass is approximately 102.18 grams per mole. Molar mass helps in determining the amount of a substance present in a given quantity.
1-Hexanol Boiling Point
Hexyl alcohol has a boiling point of approximately 156.3 degrees Celsius (313.34 degrees Fahrenheit). The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid changes into its gaseous state at a given pressure. It is an important characteristic used for various applications.
1-Hexanol Melting Point
The melting point of hexyl alcohol is around -44 degrees Celsius (-47.2 degrees Fahrenheit). It indicates the temperature at which a solid substance transitions into a liquid state. Melting point is crucial for determining the physical properties and behavior of substances.
1-Hexanol Density g/mL
The density of hexyl alcohol is about 0.81 grams per milliliter (g/mL). Density is a measure of the mass of a substance per unit volume. It provides information about the compactness or concentration of the substance.
1-Hexanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of hexyl alcohol is approximately 102.18 grams per mole. It represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a molecule. Molecular weight is significant for various calculations and chemical reactions.
1-Hexanol Structure
The structure of hexyl alcohol consists of a six-carbon chain with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to one end. The carbon atoms form a linear chain, and the hydroxyl group imparts the alcohol functional group. This structure influences its physical and chemical properties.
1-Hexanol Solubility
1-Hexanol is partially soluble in water, forming a clear solution. It exhibits better solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and diethyl ether. Solubility refers to the ability of a substance to dissolve in a given solvent and is crucial for various applications and reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.812 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 102.18 g/mol |
| Density | 0.81 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -44 °C (-47.2 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 156.3 °C (313.34 °F) |
| Flash Point | 65 °C (149 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Partially soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.49 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapour Density | 3.5 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 15.9 |
| pH | Neutral |
1-Hexanol Safety and Hazards
Hexyl alcohol poses certain safety considerations and hazards. It is flammable and can form explosive vapor-air mixtures. Care should be taken to prevent ignition sources in its vicinity. Inhalation of its vapors may cause irritation to the respiratory system, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing. Direct contact with hexyl alcohol may irritate the skin and eyes, causing redness and discomfort. It is advisable to use appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and safety goggles when handling this substance. In case of accidental ingestion, medical attention should be sought immediately. Proper ventilation and storage measures should be implemented to ensure a safe working environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable |
| Safety Description | Keep away from ignition sources. Avoid inhalation, skin, and eye contact. Use in well-ventilated areas. Proper storage and handling required. |
| UN IDs | UN 2282 |
| HS Code | 2905.13.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquid) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | May cause irritation. |
Note: The provided information is a general overview and does not encompass all safety considerations. It is important to consult specific safety data sheets and adhere to proper safety protocols when working with hexyl alcohol.
1-Hexanol Synthesis Methods
Various methods can synthesize Hexyl alcohol.
One common method is the hydroformylation of 1-hexene, which involves reacting 1-hexene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, typically rhodium or cobalt. This process yields a mixture of aldehydes, and the subsequent reduction of the aldehyde product with hydrogen generates hexyl alcohol.
In this method, we react 1-hexene with water in the presence of a catalyst, such as sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid, to produce hexyl alcohol. We typically carry out the reaction under reflux conditions.
To obtain hexyl alcohol through this method, we perform hydrogenation on the corresponding ester or carboxylic acid. The process involves reacting the ester or carboxylic acid with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, such as palladium or platinum. This reaction yields hexyl alcohol.
In this method, we obtain hexyl alcohol by reducing the corresponding alkyl halide. We react to the alkyl halide with a reducing agent, such as lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride. This reaction results in the formation of hexyl alcohol.
Overall, these synthesis methods provide different routes for the production of hexyl alcohol, allowing for its availability and utilization in various industrial applications.
1-Hexanol Uses
Hexyl alcohol finds a wide range of applications due to its versatile properties. Here are some key uses of hexyl alcohol:
- Solvent: Various industries, including coatings, paints, and ink formulations, use it as a solvent. It dissolves both polar and non-polar substances, making it useful for solubilizing different types of materials.
- Flavoring Agent: The food and beverage industry utilizes Hexyl alcohol as a flavoring agent. It imparts a fruity or grassy note to products like fruit-flavored beverages, candies, and confectionery.
- Chemical Intermediate: It plays a crucial role as an intermediate in producing various chemicals. It is vital in synthesizing esters, plasticizers, surfactants, and fragrances, contributing to a wide range of consumer and industrial products.
- Extraction Solvent: Hexyl alcohol works as a solvent for selectively extracting natural compounds from plant materials, such as essential oils and bioactive compounds.
- Wetting Agent: It acts as a wetting agent or spreading agent, improving the spread and contact of liquids on solid surfaces. This property proves beneficial in agricultural applications, as well as in formulating cleaning products and surface coatings.
- Pharmaceuticals: The pharmaceutical industry employs Hexyl alcohol as an excipient in drug formulations. It aids in solubilizing and delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients.
- Fuel Additive: Diesel engines utilize it as a fuel additive to enhance lubricity and reduce emissions.
- Laboratory Reagent: It serves as a reagent in various laboratory experiments, including organic synthesis and chromatography.
The versatile nature of hexyl alcohol enables its incorporation into diverse industrial processes, making it a valuable compound with numerous applications.
Questions:
Q: What is the structure of 1-hexanol?
A: The structure of hexyl alcohol consists of a six-carbon chain with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to one end.
Q: Is 1-hexanol soluble in water?
A: Hexyl alcohol is partially soluble in water, forming a clear solution.
Q: Is 1-hexanol polar?
A: Yes, hexyl alcohol is polar due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) that imparts polarity to the molecule.
Q: How would you make hexylamine from 1-hexanol?
A: To make hexylamine from hexyl alcohol, it can be subjected to reductive amination using an appropriate reducing agent and ammonia.
Q: Which of the following syntheses gives 3-methyl-1-hexanol?
A: The synthesis involving the reaction of 3-methyl-1-pentene with hydrogen and a suitable catalyst would yield 3-methyl-hexyl alcohol.
Q: What is the theoretical yield of hexanol from this experiment (1-hexene density 0.673 g/ml)?
A: The theoretical yield of hexanol can be calculated using the density of 1-hexene and the stoichiometry of the reaction. Density alone is insufficient to determine the theoretical yield.
Q: Is 1-hexanol the correct IUPAC name?
A: Yes, hexyl alcohol is the correct IUPAC name for the compound.
Q: Is 1-hexanol saturated?
A: Yes, hexyl alcohol is a saturated compound as it contains only single bonds between carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.