3-Hexanol – C6H14O, 623-37-0

3-Hexanol is a colorless liquid alcohol with a pleasant odor. It is used in the production of perfumes, flavors, and as a solvent.

IUPAC Name3-Hexanol
Molecular FormulaC6H14O
CAS Number623-37-0
SynonymsHexan-3-ol, 3-Hexyl alcohol, CH3(CH2)3CH2OH
InChIInChI=1S/C6H14O/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7/h7H,2-6H2,1H3

3-Hexanol Properties

3-Hexanol Formula

The formula of 3-Hexanol is C6H14O. It represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. The “C” stands for carbon, “H” for hydrogen, and “O” for oxygen. The number 6 indicates that there are six carbon atoms in the molecule, while the number 14 signifies the presence of 14 hydrogen atoms. Lastly, the “O” indicates the presence of one oxygen atom in the compound.

3-Hexanol Molar Mass

The molar mass of hexan-3-ol is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the atoms in its formula. For hexan-3-ol (C6H14O), the molar mass can be determined as follows 6 carbon atoms (12.01 g/mol) + 14 hydrogen atoms (1.008 g/mol) + 1 oxygen atom (16.00 g/mol), resulting in a molar mass of approximately 102.18 g/mol.

3-Hexanol Boiling Point

The boiling point of hexan-3-ol is the temperature at which it changes from a liquid to a gas. hexan-3-ol has a boiling point of approximately 156-157°C (312-315°F). This property is important in various industrial applications, such as distillation processes, where different substances are separated based on their boiling points.

3-Hexanol Melting Point

The melting point of hexan-3-ol is the temperature at which it changes from a solid to a liquid. hexan-3-ol has a melting point of around -43°C (-45°F). This characteristic is significant when considering the compound’s behavior under different temperature conditions.

3-Hexanol Density g/mL

The density of hexan-3-ol refers to the mass of the substance per unit volume. The density of hexan-3-ol is approximately 0.81 g/mL. This property provides insight into the compound’s compactness or concentration, aiding in various practical applications such as determining the suitability of solvents or understanding its behavior in mixtures.

3-Hexanol Molecular Weight

The molecular weight of hexan-3-ol is the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in its formula. With a formula of C6H14O, the molecular weight of hexan-3-ol is approximately 102.18 g/mol. This value is crucial in chemical calculations, including determining reaction stoichiometry and molar ratios.

3-Hexanol Structure

3-Hexanol

The structure of hexan-3-ol consists of a chain of six carbon atoms, with an -OH (hydroxyl) group attached to the third carbon atom. It can be represented as CH3(CH2)3CH2OH. This structure defines its chemical properties and behavior when interacting with other compounds.

3-Hexanol Solubility

hexan-3-ol is partially soluble in water, meaning it can dissolve to some extent. However, its solubility is limited due to its hydrophobic (water-repelling) nature. It is more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or ether. The solubility characteristics of hexan-3-ol impact its applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and chemical synthesis.

AppearanceColorless
Specific Gravity0.81 g/mL
ColorN/A
OdorPleasant
Molar Mass102.18 g/mol
Density0.81 g/mL
Melting Point-43°C
Boiling Point156-157°C
Flash PointN/A
Water SolubilityPartially soluble
SolubilityMore soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol or ether
Vapour PressureN/A
Vapour DensityN/A
pKaN/A
pHN/A

3-Hexanol Safety and Hazards

hexan-3-ol poses some safety considerations and hazards. It is important to handle this compound with caution. Direct contact with hexan-3-ol may cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Ingestion or inhalation of large amounts can lead to adverse effects on the respiratory and digestive systems. It is essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with hexan-3-ol to minimize exposure risks. Additionally, it is crucial to store this substance in a well-ventilated area, away from heat and open flames, as it is flammable. Proper disposal methods should be followed in accordance with local regulations to avoid environmental contamination.

Hazard SymbolsHazard
Safety DescriptionHandle with caution. Avoid direct contact.
UN IDsUN 3275
HS Code2905.19.10
Hazard Class3
Packing GroupIII
ToxicityLow toxicity

3-Hexanol Synthesis Methods

There are several methods for synthesizing hexan-3-ol. One common approach is through the hydroboration-oxidation reaction of 1-hexene.

To synthesize hexan-3-ol, react 1-hexene with borane (BH3) in the presence of a solvent like tetrahydrofuran (THF). This reaction forms the corresponding boron intermediate, which then undergoes oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of hexan-3-ol.

Another method involves the reduction of 3-hexanone using a reducing agent like sodium borohydride (NaBH4) or lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). This reaction converts the carbonyl group of 3-hexanone into the hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of hexan-3-ol.

Generate hexan-3-ol through the Grignard reaction by reacting magnesium (Mg) with alkyl halide, such as 1-bromohexane. This reaction yields the corresponding Grignard reagent, which subsequently reacts with formaldehyde (HCHO) to produce hexan-3-ol.

Obtain hexan-3-ol by reducing the corresponding aldehyde, derived from the oxidation of hexyl alcohol. Reduce the aldehyde using reducing agents like NaBH4 or catalytic hydrogenation, leading to the formation of hexan-3-ol.

These various synthesis methods provide different routes to obtain hexan-3-ol, allowing for flexibility and adaptation based on specific needs and available starting materials. Careful selection of the appropriate method is essential to ensure efficient and controlled synthesis of hexan-3-ol.

3-Hexanol Uses

Hexan-3-ol finds a wide range of applications due to its versatile properties. Here are some key uses of Hexan-3-ol:

  • Hexan-3-ol extensively finds use in the fragrance and perfume industry due to its pleasant odor. The industry employs it as a fragrance ingredient in various personal care products, including perfumes, colognes, soaps, and lotions.
  • Various applications utilize hexan-3-ol as a solvent. It plays a role in the formulation of paints, coatings, and adhesives, dissolving and dispersing other components.
  • Hexan-3-ol acts as an intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals. It undergoes further chemical reactions to produce compounds with medicinal or pesticidal properties.
  • It serves as an important reagent in organic chemistry reactions, such as esterification and oxidation processes.
  • The compound contributes to the improvement of combustion efficiency and reduces emissions as a fuel additive in certain applications.
  • Hexan-3-ol has potential applications in the field of nanotechnology. It can serve as a building block for the synthesis of nanostructures and nanoparticles.
  • In some insect species, hexan-3-ol functions as a pheromone, influencing insect behavior and communication.

The versatile properties of hexan-3-ol make it valuable across a range of industries, including fragrance, flavor, pharmaceuticals, coatings, and more. Its distinctive odor, solubility, and reactivity contribute to its widespread utilization in various applications.

Questions:

Q: Which compound matches the IR spectrum of trans-4-octene, cyclohexane, and 3-hexanol?

A: hexan-3-ol matches the IR spectrum of trans-4-octene, cyclohexane, and hexan-3-ol.

Q: How many chirality centers exist in 3-hexanol?

A: There is 1 chirality center in hexan-3-ol.

Q: Which pair of reactants would lead to 3-hexanol?

A: The pair of reactants that would lead to hexan-3-ol is 1-hexene and borane, followed by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or sodium hydroxide.

Q: Which compound matches the IR spectrum of 3-hexanol?

A: The compound that matches the IR spectrum of hexan-3-ol is hexan-3-ol itself.