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β-Myrcene

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H16
CAS number
123-35-3
IUPAC name
2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene;2,6-dimethylocta-1,4,6-triene;2,6-dimethylocta-2,4,6-triene
State
State

At room temperature, β-myrcene is a liquid. It is not solid or gaseous under standard conditions and can readily evaporate into the air, contributing to its role in the aroma of various plant products.

Melting point (Celsius)
-85.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
188.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
167.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
440.15
General information
Molecular weight
136.24g/mol
Molar mass
136.2380g/mol
Density
0.7940g/cm3
Appearence

β-Myrcene is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that has a distinctive balsamic smell. It tends to darken upon exposure to air and light due to oxidation, which can alter its properties and aroma. In its pure form, the liquid is clear and free-flowing.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene; 2,6-dimethylocta-1,4,6-triene; 2,6-dimethylocta-2,4,6-triene

The solubility of the compounds 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene, 2,6-dimethylocta-1,4,6-triene, and 2,6-dimethylocta-2,4,6-triene can be quite challenging to characterize due to their structural complexity and varying functional groups. However, some general observations can be made:

  • Hydrophobic Nature: These compounds are typically hydrophobic in nature due to their long carbon chains and conjugated double bonds. This characteristic often leads to low solubility in polar solvents, such as water.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: They are more likely to dissolve in organic solvents, such as:
    • Hexane
    • Ether
    • Chloroform
  • Temperature Dependency: The solubility may also change with temperature. Generally, higher temperatures can increase solubility in organic solvents due to enhanced molecular motion.
  • Concentration: At higher concentrations, these compounds may precipitate out of solution, indicating a limited solubility even in organic solvents.

To summarize, the solubility of these trienes tends to be:

  • Low in water
  • Moderate to good in non-polar organic solvents
  • Temperature-dependent

Understanding the solubility characteristics of these compounds is essential for various applications, particularly in areas like organic synthesis and materials science.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene

The compound 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene, also known as a type of diene, exhibits some fascinating characteristics that make it noteworthy in the field of organic chemistry.

  • Structure: This compound has a unique structure, with two methyl groups and alternating double bonds. This arrangement contributes to its reactivity and stability during chemical reactions.
  • Reactivity: As a diene, it can participate in various reactions such as Diels-Alder reactions, which are pivotal in the synthesis of cyclic compounds.
  • Natural Occurrence: Compounds similar to 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene are often found in nature. They can be associated with essential oils, contributing to the aroma of certain plants.
  • Applications: In synthetic organic chemistry, this compound can serve as an intermediate in the production of more complex molecules used in pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

“The versatility of dienes like 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene showcases the elegance of organic synthesis.”

Related Compounds

Interestingly, 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene is part of a family of compounds that includes:

  • 2,6-dimethylocta-1,4,6-triene - characterized by its rearranged double bonds, allowing for different reactivity patterns.
  • 2,6-dimethylocta-2,4,6-triene - known for its symmetrical arrangement of double bonds, which may affect its physical and chemical properties differently.

Exploring these variations opens up a world of possibilities in organic synthesis and materials science.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of 2,6-dimethylocta-1,3,5-triene and its related compounds not only enhances our understanding of organic structure and reactivity but also serves as a gateway into broader applications in chemical research and industry.