Decane (C10H22) is a hydrocarbon compound with ten carbon atoms arranged in a straight chain. It is commonly used as a solvent in various industrial applications, such as cleaning and manufacturing processes.
| IUPAC Name | Decane |
| Molecular Formula | C10H22 |
| CAS Number | 124-18-5 |
| Synonyms | n-Decane, Decyl hydride, n-Amyl methine, Capdecane |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C10H22/c1-3-5-7-9-10-8-6-4-2/h3-10H2,1-2H3 |
Decane Properties
Decane Formula
The formula of decane is C10H22. It represents a hydrocarbon compound consisting of ten carbon atoms and twenty-two hydrogen atoms. The formula shows the exact number and type of atoms present in one molecule of decane.
Decane Molar Mass
The molar mass of decyl hydride can be calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements. The molar mass of carbon (C) is 12.01 g/mol, and the molar mass of hydrogen (H) is 1.008 g/mol. Therefore, the molar mass of decyl hydride is approximately 142.28 g/mol.
Decane Boiling Point
Decane has a boiling point of approximately 174°C (345°F). This means that at normal atmospheric pressure, decyl hydride starts to vaporize and convert into its gaseous state at this temperature. The boiling point is an important characteristic of decyl hydride and is used to determine its physical properties and applications.
Decane Melting Point
The melting point of decyl hydride is approximately -29°C (-20°F). It signifies the temperature at which decyl hydride transitions from its solid state to its liquid state. This low melting point makes decyl hydride easily liquefiable under normal conditions.
Decane Density g/mL
Decyl hydride has a density of approximately 0.73 g/mL. Density is the measure of mass per unit volume. The density of decyl hydride indicates its relative heaviness or lightness compared to an equal volume of water. The low density of decyl hydride suggests that it is lighter than water.
Decane Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of decyl hydride is approximately 142.28 g/mol. It is calculated by summing up the atomic weights of all the atoms in one molecule of decyl hydride. The molecular weight provides valuable information about the size and mass of the decyl hydride molecule.
Decane Structure
Decyl hydride has a straight-chain structure, with ten carbon atoms linked together in a linear arrangement. Each carbon atom forms four single covalent bonds with surrounding hydrogen atoms. The carbon chain in decyl hydride is unbranched, and this structural characteristic influences its chemical and physical properties.
Decane Solubility
Decyl hydride is insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents such as benzene, ether, and hexane. Its nonpolar nature hinders its interaction with polar substances like water. The solubility of decyl hydride is an important consideration in various industrial processes and applications, especially when dealing with nonpolar solvents.
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 0.73 |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 142.28 g/mol |
| Density | 0.73 g/mL |
| Melting Point | -29°C (-20°F) |
| Boiling Point | 174°C (345°F) |
| Flash Point | 43°C (109°F) |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in nonpolar solvents such as benzene, ether, and hexane |
| Vapour Pressure | 1.22 mmHg at 20°C |
| Vapour Density | 4.88 (air = 1) |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Neutral |
Decane Safety and Hazards
Decyl hydride poses certain safety considerations and hazards. It is flammable and should be handled with caution, as it can ignite when exposed to open flames or sparks. The vapor of decyl hydride is heavier than air, which means it can travel along the ground and accumulate in low-lying areas, posing a potential fire or explosion hazard. Direct contact with decyl hydride may cause skin irritation and can also cause eye irritation. It is important to use appropriate protective measures, such as gloves and goggles when working with decyl hydride. Proper ventilation is crucial to minimize the concentration of decyl hydride vapors in enclosed spaces.
| Hazard Symbols | Flammable |
| Safety Description | – Keep away from open flames, – Use in well-ventilated areas – Wear protective gloves and goggles, – Avoid direct skin and eye contact |
| Un IDs | UN 2247 |
| HS Code | 2901.10.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 3 (Flammable liquid) |
| Packing Group | PG II |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
Decane Synthesis Methods
There are several methods to synthesize decyl hydride.
- One common method for synthesizing decyl hydride involves reacting decene with hydrogen gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst, such as palladium or nickel. This process saturates the carbon-carbon double bonds in decene, converting it into decyl hydride.
- Another method is the oligomerization of ethylene, where catalysts, typically transition metal complexes, combine ethylene molecules to form higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, including decyl hydride.
- Petroleum refining processes yield decyl hydride as well. In this process, the distillation of crude oil separates and purifies a fraction containing decyl hydride and similar hydrocarbons to obtain pure decyl hydride.
- The Fischer-Tropsch process allows for the synthesis of decyl hydride by reacting carbon monoxide and hydrogen over a catalyst, typically an iron or cobalt-based catalyst, under high temperature and pressure conditions. This process yields a mixture of hydrocarbons, including decyl hydride.
It is crucial to highlight that these industrial-scale synthesis methods necessitate specialized equipment and expertise. The choice of synthesis method depends on factors such as the availability of starting materials, desired purity, and economic considerations.
Decane Uses
Decyl hydride finds various applications across different industries due to its properties and characteristics. Some common uses of decyl hydride include:
- Solvent: Decyl hydride serves as a solvent in industrial processes, such as cleaning and degreasing applications. Its ability to dissolve various nonpolar substances makes it useful in these processes.
- Fuel: Diesel fuel contains decyl hydride as a component and utilizes it as a reference compound for measuring the cetane number, which assesses the ignition quality of diesel fuels. It contributes to the combustion properties of diesel fuel.
- Chemical Intermediate: Decyl hydride serves as a building block for the production of other chemicals. Decyl hydride serves as a starting material for the synthesis of various compounds, including surfactants, lubricants, and polymers.
- Extraction Agent: The pharmaceutical and food industries employ decyl hydride as an extraction agent. It helps in the separation and purification of certain compounds and flavors from raw materials.
- Research and Laboratory Applications: Scientific research and laboratory settings make use of decyl hydride. It serves as a reference compound in gas chromatography and as a standard for calibration purposes.
- Cosmetic Formulations: Cosmetic and personal care products incorporate decyl hydride in their formulations. It acts as a conditioning agent, emollient, and viscosity regulator in various skincare and haircare products.
- Industrial Lubricants: Industrial applications benefit from decyl hydride’s low volatility and good lubricity, utilizing it as a lubricant. It reduces friction and wears between moving parts.
- Calibration Standards: Analytical chemistry employs decyl hydride as a calibration standard. It helps in the calibration and validation of analytical instruments and techniques.
Overall, decyl hydride’s versatile properties make it valuable in diverse industries, ranging from manufacturing to research and development.
Questions:
Q: What is a decane?
A: Decyl hydride is a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C10H22, consisting of ten carbon atoms and twenty-two hydrogen atoms.
Q: Reduction of 1-decyne to decane requires how many equivalents of hydrogen gas?
A: The reduction of 1-decyne to decyl hydride requires two equivalents of hydrogen gas.
Q: Is decane polar?
A: No, decyl hydride is nonpolar as it consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded by nonpolar covalent bonds.
Q: Is iodine soluble in C10H22?
A: Yes, iodine is soluble in C10H22 (decyl hydride) as both substances are nonpolar and can mix.
Q: Which of the following substances would have the highest viscosity? (a) C4H10 (b) C8H18 (c) C10H22
A: C10H22 (decyl hydride) would have the highest viscosity among the given substances due to its larger molecular size and longer carbon chain.
Q: Calculate the freezing point for 23.0 g of decane (C10H22) in 53.0 g CHCl3.
A: The freezing point calculation requires additional information such as the freezing point depression constant for the solvent (CHCl3) and the mole fractions of the components to determine the freezing point depression.