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2-Hydroxypropyl oleate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H40O3
CAS number
7727-70-4
IUPAC name
2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate
State
State

At room temperature, 2-hydroxypropyl oleate is typically a liquid due to its nature as an ester of a fatty acid. It retains its liquid state across a range of room temperatures.

Melting point (Celsius)
-20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
253.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
324.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
598.00
General information
Molecular weight
328.54g/mol
Molar mass
326.5390g/mol
Density
0.8912g/cm3
Appearence

2-Hydroxypropyl oleate is a colorless to light yellow viscous liquid. It is a synthetic ester derived from oleic acid, which is a naturally occurring fatty acid, and 2-hydroxypropanol. Its viscosity lends it to a variety of applications in personal care products and cosmetics.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate

2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate, a derivative of fatty acids, presents interesting solubility characteristics due to its unique structure. The presence of both hydroxy and ester functional groups in its molecular composition plays a significant role in determining its solubility in various solvents.

Key points regarding its solubility:

  • Hydrophilic Nature: The hydroxy group (-OH) increases the compound's affinity for water, leading to enhanced solubility in polar solvents.
  • Hydrophobic Tendency: The long hydrocarbon chain (octadec-9-enoate) introduces hydrophobic properties, which can limit its solubility in water, making it more soluble in non-polar solvents like oils and organic solvents.
  • Solvent Interaction: This compound is likely to exhibit better solubility in solvents such as ethanol and acetone due to favorable interactions.

In practical applications, the varying solubility can be harnessed for different formulations, making it essential to choose the right solvent for desired outcomes. As a general rule, one might say:
"Like dissolves like," meaning polar substances will dissolve well in polar solvents, while non-polar substances will prefer non-polar solvents.

This dual nature of 2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate cements its versatility in chemical applications, although care must be taken to comprehend its solubility characteristics when utilized in various formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Hydroxypropyl Octadec-9-enoate

2-Hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate, commonly referred to as an ester, showcases the fascinating interplay between organic chemistry and multiple functional groups. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Chemical Structure and Composition: This compound features a hydroxypropyl group attached to an unsaturated fatty acid, which provides it with unique properties inherent in both alcohols and fatty esters.
  • Biological Relevance: Esters, like 2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate, often play crucial roles in biological systems, serving as important components in cell membranes due to their amphiphilic nature.
  • Applications in Industry: This compound can function as a key ingredient in various applications, including surfactants, emulsifiers, and even in the production of cosmetic products. Its properties make it highly valuable in formulating lotions and creams.
  • Potential Health Benefits: Esters derived from fatty acids are investigated for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant properties, which may contribute to skin health and overall well-being.
  • Environmental Interactions: The behavior of 2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate in the environment is of interest, as it can biodegrade under certain conditions, making it a subject of study in green chemistry.

In conclusion, understanding the intricate details of 2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate not only enriches our knowledge of organic compounds but also opens up avenues for research and practical applications that can significantly improve various industrial processes and health-related products.

Synonyms
2-hydroxypropyl octadec-9-enoate
Propylene glycol monooleate
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