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2,3-Dimethyloxirane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H8O
CAS number
558-30-5
IUPAC name
2,3-dimethyloxirane;2-ethyloxirane
State
State

At room temperature, 2,3-Dimethyloxirane is a liquid. It is volatile and can easily evaporate, often used in closed systems to prevent loss due to its relatively low boiling point.

Melting point (Celsius)
-86.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
187.20
Boiling point (Celsius)
57.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
330.70
General information
Molecular weight
72.11g/mol
Molar mass
72.1060g/mol
Density
0.8300g/cm3
Appearence

2,3-Dimethyloxirane is a colorless liquid with a sweet, ether-like odor. It is often used in industrial applications and is characterized by its cycloaliphatic structure, where the oxirane ring is substituted with two methyl groups.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2,3-Dimethyloxirane and 2-Ethyloxirane

When considering the solubility of the compounds 2,3-dimethyloxirane and 2-ethyloxirane, it is essential to note several key factors that influence their behavior in various solvents. Both compounds belong to a class of organic compounds known as epoxides, which are typically characterized by their unique ring structure of three atoms.

General Solubility Trends

The solubility of epoxides in water and other solvents can be classified based on the following:

  • Polarity: Epoxides generally possess some polarity due to the presence of oxygen in the ring, which can lead to moderate solubility in polar solvents.
  • Chain Length: The increase in hydrocarbon chain length can enhance solubility in non-polar solvents while reducing solubility in polar solvents. In this case, 2-ethyloxirane may exhibit reduced water solubility compared to 2,3-dimethyloxirane.
  • Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic Balance: The balance between polar groups and hydrocarbon tails will determine the overall solubility of each compound in various environments.

Specific Solubility Insights

For 2,3-dimethyloxirane:

  • It is expected to have **moderate solubility** in water due to the presence of the two methyl groups which may slightly hinder solvation.
  • It generally demonstrates good solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, and diethyl ether.

As for 2-ethyloxirane:

  • This compound can exhibit **lower water solubility** compared to its dimethyl counterpart due to the bulkier ethyl substituent.
  • However, it retains good solubility in a range of organic solvents, which is common among epoxides.

In conclusion, the solubilities of 2,3-dimethyloxirane and 2-ethyloxirane illustrate the intricate balance between molecular structure and solvent interactions. As the substituents on the epoxide ring change, so too does their capacity to dissolve in various media, making the study of these compounds both fascinating and complex.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About 2,3-Dimethyloxirane and 2-Ethyloxirane

2,3-dimethyloxirane and 2-ethyloxirane are intriguing compounds belonging to the family of epoxides, characterized by a three-membered cyclic ether structure. These compounds play vital roles in organic chemistry and industrial applications.

Key Characteristics

  • Synthetic Versatility: Both compounds act as valuable intermediates in organic synthesis, allowing chemists to create a diverse array of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other specialty chemicals.
  • Reactivity: The epoxide group is known for its high reactivity due to the strain in the three-membered ring, making these compounds ideal for further transformations, such as ring-opening reactions.
  • Environmental Considerations: Understanding the behavior and degradation of these compounds in the environment is crucial, as they can contribute to atmospheric chemistry and pollution, posing challenges for both scientists and policymakers.

Applications and Uses

In addition to their use in synthesis, these compounds also find applications in:

  • Coatings and Adhesives: Their unique chemical properties allow for the production of durable coatings and strong adhesives.
  • Flavor and Fragrance Industries: They can be utilized to create specific aromas and flavors, demonstrating their versatility beyond traditional chemical applications.

Interestingly, the study of epoxides, including 2,3-dimethyloxirane and 2-ethyloxirane, offers insights into areas such as stereochemistry and reaction mechanisms, making them both a practical tool and a subject of academic inquiry. As one knowledgeable chemist once stated, “The beauty of organic chemistry lies not just in the compounds we create but in the pathways we explore to reach them.”


In conclusion, these compounds exemplify the fascinating world of organic chemistry, where the simplest structures can lead to enormous potential in innovative and practical applications.

Synonyms
RefChem:570760
BUTANE, EPOXY-
26249-20-7
SCHEMBL3299044
HSDB 4369
Ucar butylene oxide 12 (Obs.)
AMYNJZIQSXYFBU-UHFFFAOYSA-N
2,3-dimethyloxirane;2-ethyloxirane
EINECS 247-545-2