1-heptanol is a seven-carbon alcohol with a hydroxyl group at one end. It is used as a solvent, a fragrance ingredient, and in the synthesis of chemicals.
| IUPAC Name | Heptan-1-ol |
| Molecular Formula | C7H16O |
| CAS Number | 111-70-6 |
| Synonyms | Heptyl alcohol, n-Heptanol, Eptyl carbinol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C7H16O/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8/h8H,2-7H2 |
1-Heptanol Properties
1-Heptanol Formula
The formula of 1-Heptanol is C7H16O. It consists of seven carbon atoms, sixteen hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The molecular formula represents the exact number and types of atoms present in a molecule.
1-Heptanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of heptyl alcohol is the sum of the atomic masses of its constituent elements. The molar mass of heptyl alcohol is approximately 116.23 grams per mole. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in the molecule.
1-Heptanol Boiling Point
Heptyl alcohol has a boiling point of approximately 176 degrees Celsius (349 degrees Fahrenheit). Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from its liquid phase to a gas phase. The higher boiling point of heptyl alcohol indicates that it requires significant heat energy to convert it into a gaseous state.
1-Heptanol Melting Point
The melting point of heptyl alcohol is around -45 degrees Celsius (-49 degrees Fahrenheit). Melting point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid phase to a liquid phase. The relatively low melting point of heptyl alcohol indicates that it can transition into a liquid state at a relatively low temperature.
1-Heptanol Density g/mL
Heptyl alcohol has a density of approximately 0.82 grams per milliliter (g/mL). Density is the measure of how much mass is contained in a given volume. The density of heptyl alcohol indicates that it is less dense than water, as the density of water is 1 g/mL.
1-Heptanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of heptyl alcohol is approximately 116.23 grams per mole. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of the constituent elements in the molecule. The molecular weight provides valuable information about the mass of a molecule.
1-Heptanol Structure
The structure of heptyl alcohol consists of a straight chain of seven carbon atoms with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to one end. The carbon atoms are bonded together in a continuous line, with hydrogen atoms attached to the remaining bonding positions.
1-Heptanol Solubility
Heptyl alcohol is moderately soluble in water. It exhibits a limited ability to dissolve in water due to its hydrophobic nature. However, it is more soluble in organic solvents, such as ethanol and diethyl ether. The solubility of heptyl alcohol depends on its interactions with the solvent molecules.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.82 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Pleasant |
| Molar Mass | 116.23 g/mol |
| Density | 0.82 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -45°C (-49°F) |
| Boiling Point | 176°C (349°F) |
| Flash Point | 85°C (185°F) |
| Water Solubility | Moderately soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and diethyl ether |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.83 kPa at 25°C |
| Vapour Density | 4.01 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.1 |
| pH | Neutral |
1-Heptanol Safety and Hazards
Heptyl alcohol poses some safety hazards and precautions should be taken when handling it. It is flammable and can ignite if exposed to an open flame or heat source. The vapors of heptyl alcohol can also form explosive mixtures with air. It may cause irritation to the skin and eyes upon contact. Ingestion or inhalation of high concentrations can be harmful, causing nausea, headaches, and respiratory distress. Adequate ventilation should be ensured when using heptyl alcohol, and personal protective equipment such as gloves and safety glasses should be worn. It is essential to follow proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures to minimize the risks associated with this chemical.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable (F), Harmful (Xn) |
| Safety Description | Keep away from open flames and heat sources. Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
| UN IDs | UN 3082 (class 9) |
| HS Code | 2905.16.0000 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 – Flammable liquids |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Harmful if swallowed or inhaled. May cause irritation. |
1-Heptanol Synthesis Methods
There are various synthesis methods for heptyl alcohol.
One common approach is the hydroformylation of 1-heptene. In this process, 1-heptene reacts with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium or cobalt catalyst, yielding a mixture of aldehydes. Subsequent reduction of the aldehydes with hydrogen and a suitable catalyst converts them into the corresponding alcohols, including heptyl alcohol.
Another method involves the reduction of heptanal, which can be obtained from the oxidation of heptene. Hydrogen gas and catalysts like palladium on carbon or Raney nickel facilitate the reduction process for the synthesis of heptyl alcohol.
The hydrolysis of heptyl chloride or heptyl bromide is another method for producing heptyl alcohol. In this process, the halide compound reacts with water, resulting in the formation of the alcohol.
The Grignard reaction offers an additional route for the synthesis of heptyl alcohol. This method involves the reaction of magnesium with 1-bromohexane to form a Grignard reagent, followed by its reaction with formaldehyde to yield heptyl alcohol.
It’s worth noting that these synthesis methods may require specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and purification steps to obtain pure heptyl alcohol. The choice of method depends on factors such as the availability of starting materials, desired yield, and the level of purity required for the final product.
1-Heptanol Uses
Heptyl alcohol finds utility in various applications due to its unique properties. Here are some of its uses:
- Solvent: Industries such as paints, coatings, and printing inks utilize heptyl alcohol as a solvent to effectively dissolve and disperse different substances.
- Fragrance ingredient: Perfumes and fragrances formulation incorporates heptyl alcohol as an ingredient, enhancing the overall olfactory experience and adding a pleasant scent.
- Chemical synthesis: Various chemicals and compounds, including esters, plasticizers, and pharmaceutical intermediates, undergo synthesis employing heptyl alcohol due to its reactivity and functional group suitability.
- Extraction agent: Heptyl alcohol finds application as an extraction agent in the separation and purification of organic compounds from natural sources, such as essential oils and plant extracts, owing to its solubility properties.
- Surfactant: Heptyl alcohol facilitates the stabilization of emulsions and the formation of micelles, enabling it to act as a surfactant in emulsion polymerization and formulation of personal care products.
- Industrial cleaning: Heptyl alcohol’s solvent properties enable its utilization in industrial cleaning applications, including degreasing and removal of oils, waxes, and resins from various surfaces and equipment.
- Laboratory reagent: Chemical reactions, extractions, and other experimental procedures in laboratory settings can employ heptyl alcohol as an active reagent.
- Fuel additive: As a fuel additive, heptyl alcohol improves the combustion efficiency of gasoline and reduces emissions.
These applications highlight the versatility and usefulness of heptyl alcohol in different industries and scientific research, showcasing its significance as a valuable chemical compound.
Questions:
Q: Which is less soluble in water, 1-pentanol or 1-heptanol? Explain.
A: heptyl alcohol is less soluble in water than 1-pentanol due to its longer carbon chain, which increases its hydrophobicity and reduces its affinity for water.
Q: Is 1-heptanol soluble in heptane?
A: Yes, heptyl alcohol is soluble in heptane due to their similar molecular structures and the presence of similar intermolecular forces.
Q: To prepare 1-heptanol, which of the following compounds could you use?
A: heptyl alcohol can be prepared using heptyl chloride or heptyl bromide through hydrolysis reactions.
Q: Is 1-heptanol soluble in hexane?
A: Yes, heptyl alcohol is soluble in hexane due to their similar molecular structures and the presence of similar intermolecular forces.
Q: What products would be obtained by the dehydration of 2-heptanol and 2-methyl-1-cyclohexanol?
A: The dehydration of 2-heptanol would result in the formation of heptene, while the dehydration of 2-methyl-1-cyclohexanol would produce cyclohexene.
Q: What is the source of the strongest intermolecular attractions in a sample of 1-heptanol?
A: The hydroxyl (OH) group in heptyl alcohol is the source of the strongest intermolecular attractions, forming hydrogen bonds with neighboring molecules.
Q: How to separate heptane and heptanol?
A: Heptane and heptanol can be separated by using techniques such as distillation or fractional distillation, taking advantage of their different boiling points.
Q: What products are formed with the dehydration of heptanol?
A: The dehydration of heptanol produces heptene and water as products.