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Benzocaine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H11NO2
CAS number
94-09-7
IUPAC name
2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride
State
State

At room temperature, benzocaine is in a solid state. It typically forms as a white crystalline powder and is not volatile at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
88.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
361.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
310.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
583.00
General information
Molecular weight
165.19g/mol
Molar mass
165.1890g/mol
Density
1.1790g/cm3
Appearence

Benzocaine appears as a white crystalline powder. It is odorless and possesses a slightly bitter taste. The compound is slightly soluble in water but more soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and chloroform.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride

The solubility of 2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride is an intriguing aspect of its chemical behavior, and it can be influenced by several factors, including:

  • Polarity: This compound contains polar functional groups that may enhance its solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The presence of amine functional groups can lead to hydrogen bonding, potentially increasing solubility in aqueous environments.
  • Alkyl Chain Length: The dipentyl groups contribute to hydrophobic characteristics, which may limit solubility in water but enhance solubility in organic solvents.

As a general principle, ionic compounds like ammonium salts often exhibit high solubility in water due to their ability to dissociate into charged ions, allowing them to interact favorably with water molecules. However, the presence of bulky hydrocarbon chains can sometimes create a balancing act between solubility in polar and non-polar environments.
Thus, while 2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride may be expected to be soluble in polar solvents, it may still exhibit notable solubility in organic liquids due to its hydrophobic alkyl portions.

In summary, the solubility of this compound can be categorized as:

  1. Good to Moderate in polar solvents (like water) due to its ionic nature.
  2. High in non-polar solvents, thanks to the dipentyl groups.

Overall, the compound presents a fascinating profile that highlights the duality of solubility behavior, making it versatile in various applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride

This fascinating compound is part of a larger class of chemicals known as quaternary ammonium compounds. The incorporation of the ammonium moiety imparts unique properties, making it an interesting subject of study in both organic and medicinal chemistry.

Key Features

  • Functional Versatility: The presence of both a benzoyl group and an ammonium ion reflects the compound's potential for diverse applications, particularly in the field of drug delivery systems.
  • Biological Relevance: Compounds with a similar structure have been explored for their potential roles as antimicrobial agents due to their effectiveness against various pathogens.
  • Surface Activity: This compound can exhibit surface-active properties, which are crucial in formulation chemistry, especially in products like surfactants and emulsifiers.

Applications and Implications

The unique structure of 2-(4-aminobenzoyl)oxyethyl-dipentyl-ammonium;chloride opens up several avenues for scientific exploration, including:

  • Development of antibiotic therapies that leverage its antimicrobial properties.
  • Usage in industrial formulations as a decontaminant or disinfectant.
  • Potential utilization in cosmetic products for its skin-conditioning benefits.

As a chemistry student or researcher, the study of compounds like this emphasizes the balance between functional groups and their biological relevance. It invites deeper investigation into how slight modifications in chemical structure can yield significant shifts in biological activity. In the words of a prominent chemist, "The magic of chemistry lies not just in the compounds themselves but in how we can manipulate them to create something entirely new."


Synonyms
p-Aminobenzoic acid 2-(dipentylamino)ethyl ester hydrochloride
15154-28-6
NSC 27529
Ethanol, 2-(dipentylamino)-, 4-aminobenzoate (ester), monohydrochloride
BENZOIC ACID, p-AMINO-, 2-(DIPENTYLAMINO)ETHYL ESTER, HYDROCHLORIDE