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2,3-Dimethylbenzaldehyde

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H10O
CAS number
5779-94-2
IUPAC name
2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde;2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde;3,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde
State
State

At room temperature, 2,3-Dimethylbenzaldehyde typically exists as a liquid. Under certain conditions, such as reduced temperatures, it can solidify, considering it has a melting point slightly above room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
34.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
307.20
Boiling point (Celsius)
234.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
507.60
General information
Molecular weight
134.18g/mol
Molar mass
134.1650g/mol
Density
1.0080g/cm3
Appearence

2,3-Dimethylbenzaldehyde is a clear to slightly yellow liquid. When pure, it is typically a colorless liquid. It has a sweet, aromatic odor reminiscent of benzaldehyde but with additional notes due to the methyl groups.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2,3-Dimethylbenzaldehyde, 2,5-Dimethylbenzaldehyde, and 3,5-Dimethylbenzaldehyde

When it comes to the solubility of the aromatic aldehydes, such as 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde, 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde, and 3,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde, there are several key points to consider:

  • Polar vs Nonpolar Solvents: These compounds generally exhibit limited solubility in polar solvents like water, but they are significantly more soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hydrocarbons.
  • Influence of Substituents: The presence of methyl groups affects the overall hydrophobicity of each aldehyde. As a rule of thumb, increased alkyl substitution leads to decreased solubility in water.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility might also vary with temperature, often increasing at higher temperatures due to enhanced molecular motion.
  • Practical Application: This solubility behavior is essential for their use in organic synthesis, where they often need to be dissolved in organic solvents for reactions.

To summarize, while these compounds are largely insoluble in water, their solubility profile in various organic solvents offers valuable insights for their practical applications in chemical synthesis. As 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde exemplifies, structural variations can have profound effects on solubility, making the study of such relationships a fascinating field in organic chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Dimethylbenzaldehydes

Dimethylbenzaldehydes, specifically 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde, 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde, and 3,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde, are fascinating compounds that belong to the family of aromatic aldehydes. These compounds are characterized by their unique structure, which includes a benzene ring substituted by two methyl groups and an aldehyde functional group. Here are some captivating facts:

  • Isomer Diversity: Each of the mentioned dimethylbenzaldehydes is an isomer, meaning they have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. This variance leads to different chemical properties and reactivities, making them an interesting subject of study in organic chemistry.
  • Fragrance and Flavor: Many aromatic aldehydes, including dimethylbenzaldehydes, are known for their pleasant and powerful scents. They are often used in the fragrance industry to create complex and appealing aromas. Their sweet, almond-like fragrance makes them valuable in perfumery as well as flavoring agents in food products.
  • Applications: Beyond their sensory attributes, dimethylbenzaldehydes have various applications in industrial chemistry. They serve as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and other organic compounds. As versatile building blocks, they are essential in the production of more complex molecules.
  • Reactivity: The presence of both the aldehyde and methyl groups in these compounds leads to interesting reactivity patterns, particularly in nucleophilic addition reactions. Their reactivity allows chemists to exploit them in constructing different functional groups, contributing to the diversity seen in organic synthesis.

As a chemistry student or enthusiast, studying dimethylbenzaldehydes provides critical insight into the principles of aromatic chemistry. “Understanding these compounds not only requires knowledge of their structure but also an appreciation for their broader impact in various fields,” says a leading organic chemist in the field. Engaging with these compounds opens up a world of possibilities in both academic and practical applications, highlighting the intersection of chemistry with everyday life.