11-Methylbenzo[a]pyrene | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₂₁H₁₄

CAS number

244-41-9

IUPAC name

11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene

State

At room temperature, 11-Methylbenzo[a]pyrene is a solid. Its crystalline structure results from closely packed molecules due to strong intermolecular forces, characteristic of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Melting point (Celsius)

179.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

452.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

630.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

903.15

General information

Molecular weight

266.35g/mol

Molar mass

266.3470g/mol

Density

1.3200g/cm³

Appearence

11-Methylbenzo[a]pyrene appears as a yellow to light brown crystalline powder. It is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) derivative, structured with a dense array of fused aromatic rings that contribute to its crystalline form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene

11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), exhibits notable characteristics when it comes to solubility. This compound is generally poorly soluble in water, which is a common trait among many PAHs due to their hydrophobic nature. Its solubility can be significantly influenced by various factors:

Temperature: As the temperature increases, the solubility may slightly improve, though it typically remains low.
Organic solvents: 11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene is much more soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and chloroform.
pH levels: The solubility in aqueous solutions may vary with changes in pH, but remains lower than desirable for effective aquatic bioavailability.

Remarkably, the low solubility of 11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene in water leads to its tendency to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, which can have significant ecological implications. Consider the following points:

Due to its hydrophobic properties, it tends to partition into sediment or organic matter.
This results in potential toxicity risks for fish and other marine life, highlighting the importance of monitoring such compounds in environmental studies.

In conclusion, while 11-methylbenzo[a]pyrene is recognized for its low solubility in water, its behavior in organic solvents and ecological interactions warrant further investigation, especially in contexts relating to environmental pollution and human health.

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