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Heptyltrimethylammonium bromide

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H24BrN
CAS number
3084-55-5
IUPAC name
2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, heptyltrimethylammonium bromide is typically found in a solid state. It is often used in its crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
186.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
459.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
204.30
Boiling point (Kelvin)
477.50
General information
Molecular weight
250.36g/mol
Molar mass
250.3610g/mol
Density
0.9727g/cm3
Appearence

Heptyltrimethylammonium bromide appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is typically odorless and can absorb moisture from the air due to its hygroscopic nature.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium

The solubility of 2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium is an intriguing aspect of its chemical behavior, particularly when considering its application in various fields. Generally, quaternary ammonium compounds like this one are known for their amphiphilic characteristics. Here are some key points to note:

  • Polar and Non-Polar Interactions: The presence of long hydrocarbon chains (in this case, the heptanoyl moiety) suggests that the compound can dissolve in non-polar solvents, while the trimethylammonium group imparts some level of polarity, making it soluble in water to a certain degree.
  • Solvent Dependency: Its solubility is highly dependent on the solvent. For instance, it is expected to have better solubility in organic solvents compared to water due to the hydrophobic nature of its alkyl chains.
  • Temperature Influence: Temperature can also play a crucial role in enhancing the solubility of this compound. Higher temperatures typically result in increased solubility, especially in organic solvents.

As the saying goes, "Like dissolves like". This means that the chemical nature of the solvent will greatly influence the solubility of 2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium. Potential experiments can be performed to determine its precise solubility in various solvents, particularly examining its function in surfactant applications, where its amphiphilic nature may be particularly beneficial.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium

2-Heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium is a fascinating chemical compound that falls within the category of quaternary ammonium compounds, which are well-known for their versatile applications in various industries.

Key Characteristics

  • Surfactant Properties: This compound has excellent surfactant properties, making it particularly useful in formulations for detergents and emulsifiers. Its ability to reduce surface tension allows it to efficiently stabilize mixtures of oil and water.
  • Biological Significance: Quaternary ammonium compounds often exhibit antimicrobial properties, which can be advantageous in healthcare settings, such as disinfectants or antiseptic formulations.
  • Solubility: Being amphiphilic in nature, it can interact favorably with both hydrophilic and lipophilic environments, that enables its use in various biochemical applications.

Applications

  • Cosmetic Industry: Its conditioning properties make it a common ingredient in hair care formulations, providing moisture and shine to hair.
  • Pharmaceuticals: The compound can be employed as a drug carrier, improving the solubility and bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds.
  • Industrial Uses: It serves as an effective anti-static agent in textiles, electronics, and packaging materials.

As you delve deeper into the realm of organic chemistry, compounds like 2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)ammonium remind us of the intricacies and the impact of molecular structures on practical applications. Evaluating both their chemical behavior and potential benefits offers invaluable insights into their uses across multiple fields.

Synonyms
Heptanoylcholine
2-heptanoyloxyethyl(trimethyl)azanium
CHEBI:169697
[2-(heptanoyloxy)ethyl]trimethylazanium