2-Hexanol is an alcohol with six carbon atoms. It has a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the second carbon atom, making it useful in various industrial applications and as a fragrance ingredient.
| IUPAC Name | 2-Hexanol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H14O |
| CAS Number | 626-93-7 |
| Synonyms | Hexan-2-ol, n-Hexanol, Hexyl alcohol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H14O/c1-3-5-6(7)4-2/h6-7H,3-5H2,1-2H3 |
2-Hexanol Properties
2-Hexanol Formula
The chemical formula of 2-hexanol is C6H14O. It consists of six carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The formula represents the exact composition of the molecule, providing valuable information about its elemental constituents.
2-Hexanol Molar Mass
The molar mass of hexan-2-ol is calculated by adding the atomic masses of all its constituent atoms. With six carbon atoms, fourteen hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom, the molar mass of hexan-2-ol is approximately 102.18 grams per mole. This value is crucial for various chemical calculations and conversions.
2-Hexanol Boiling Point
The boiling point of hexan-2-ol is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gaseous state under standard atmospheric pressure. hexan-2-ol has a boiling point of around 157-158 degrees Celsius (315-316 degrees Fahrenheit). This relatively high boiling point makes it suitable for applications where heat resistance is required.
2-Hexanol Melting Point
The melting point of hexan-2-ol is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid state. hexan-2-ol has a melting point of approximately -47 degrees Celsius (-53 degrees Fahrenheit). This low melting point indicates that it is a liquid at most normal ambient temperatures.
2-Hexanol Density g/mL
The density of hexan-2-ol refers to the mass of the substance per unit volume. hexan-2-ol has a density of about 0.811 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This density value provides insights into the compactness or concentration of the substance.
2-Hexanol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of hexan-2-ol is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in its chemical formula. With a molecular formula of C6H14O, hexan-2-ol has an approximate molecular weight of 102.18 grams per mole. This value is used in various chemical calculations and measurements.
2-Hexanol Structure
The structure of hexan-2-ol consists of a six-carbon chain with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the second carbon atom. This arrangement gives it its characteristic properties and reactivity. The structure can be visualized as a straight chain with the hydroxyl group branching off at the second carbon position.
2-Hexanol Solubility
Hexan-2-ol is moderately soluble in water. It can mix with water to some extent due to the presence of the hydroxyl group. However, its solubility decreases with increasing carbon chain length. It is more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and chloroform. The solubility of hexan-2-ol in different solvents influences its applications and behavior in various systems.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.811 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 102.18 g/mol |
| Density | 0.811 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -47 °C (-53 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 157-158 °C (315-316 °F) |
| Flash Point | 58 °C (136 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Moderate solubility |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone, and chloroform |
| Vapour Pressure | 0.48 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Vapour Density | 3.5 (Air = 1) |
| pKa | 16.3 |
| pH | Approximately neutral (around pH 7) |
Please note that the provided values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific conditions and sources.
2-Hexanol Safety and Hazards
Hexan-2-ol poses certain safety hazards that should be considered. It is important to handle this chemical with caution. Direct contact with hexan-2-ol may cause skin and eye irritation. Ingestion or inhalation of high concentrations can result in respiratory distress. It is advisable to wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with hexan-2-ol. Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent the accumulation of vapors. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought. It is essential to store and transport hexan-2-ol in well-sealed containers away from sources of ignition to minimize fire hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Xi (Irritant) |
| Safety Description | Avoid contact with eyes and skin. Use with adequate ventilation. Wear protective clothing and gloves. |
| UN IDs | UN 2282 |
| HS Code | 2905.12.00 |
| Hazard Class | 3 (Flammable liquid) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Moderately toxic; harmful if swallowed or |
| inhaled |
2-Hexanol Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing hexan-2-ol.
One common approach is the hydroboration-oxidation method. In this process, 1-hexene, an alkene, reacts with borane (BH3) in the presence of a solvent such as tetrahydrofuran (THF). This hydroboration step results in the formation of an organoborane intermediate. The oxidation of the intermediate produces hexan-2-ol by using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sodium perborate (NaBO3).
Another method involves the catalytic hydrogenation of 2-hexanone. To obtain hexan-2-ol, the reduction of 2-hexanone occurs using a catalyst such as platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), or nickel (Ni) in the presence of a hydrogen source. This hydrogenation reaction converts the ketone functional group into a hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of hexan-2-ol.
The Grignard reaction synthesizes hexan-2-ol by reacting a Grignard reagent, such as methylmagnesium bromide (CH3MgBr), with formaldehyde (CH2O) or paraformaldehyde (CH2O)n in an ether solvent. The reaction yields an intermediate, which undergoes hydrolysis, resulting in the production of hexan-2-ol.
These synthesis methods provide routes for the production of hexan-2-ol on both laboratory and industrial scales. The choice of method depends on factors such as the availability of starting materials, desired purity, and process efficiency.
2-Hexanol Uses
Hexan-2-ol finds a wide range of applications due to its versatile properties. Here are some key uses of Hexan-2-ol:
- Hexan-2-ol finds application as a solvent in various industries, including paints, coatings, and cleaning products.
- Perfumes, soaps, and personal care products utilize Hexan-2-ol as a fragrance ingredient due to its pleasant odor.
- Manufacturers employ Hexan-2-ol in the production of plasticizers, which enhance the flexibility and durability of plastics.
- The synthesis of other chemicals, such as esters widely used in flavors, fragrances, and pharmaceuticals, relies on Hexan-2-ol as a precursor.
- Hexan-2-ol plays a vital role in agricultural applications as an intermediate in the production of herbicides and insecticides.
- Due to its flammable nature, Hexan-2-ol finds application as a fuel additive or as a component in biofuels.
- The pharmaceutical industry utilizes Hexan-2-ol as a solvent for drug formulations and as a raw material in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds.
- Hexan-2-ol is used to create flavors and aromas for food products, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
- Hexan-2-ol serves as a corrosion inhibitor in metalworking and industrial processes, protecting against degradation.
- Analytical chemistry employs Hexan-2-ol as a reference standard, and research laboratories utilize it for various experimental purposes.
These diverse applications highlight the versatility of hexan-2-ol across multiple industries, showcasing its significance as a valuable chemical compound.
Questions:
Q: What is the major product of the E1 dehydration of 2-hexanol?
A: The major product from the E1 dehydration of hexan-2-ol is 2-hexene, an alkene.
Q: What is the predominant product from the reaction of 2-hexanol with H2CrO4?
A: The predominant product from the reaction of hexan-2-ol with H2CrO4 is 2-hexanone, a ketone.
Q: What products would be obtained by the dehydration of 2-hexanol?
A: The products obtained by the dehydration of hexan-2-ol are primarily 2-hexene and water.
Q: What is the Grignard reaction synthesis of 2-methyl-2-hexanol mechanism?
A: In the Grignard reaction synthesis of 2-methyl-2-hexanol, a Grignard reagent reacts with formaldehyde to form an intermediate, which is then hydrolyzed to yield 2-methyl-2-hexanol.
Q: What is the Rf value for the product 2-hexanol?
A: The Rf value for hexan-2-ol can vary depending on the specific experimental conditions and the mobile phase used in the chromatographic separation.
Q: Which compound, when reacted with H2SO4 and water, will produce 2-hexanol?
A: The compound 2-hexene, when reacted with H2SO4 and water, will produce hexan-2-ol through acid-catalyzed hydration.