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3-Heptylphenol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C13H20O
CAS number
620-49-3
IUPAC name
3-heptylphenol
State
State

At room temperature, 3-heptylphenol exists as a liquid. It is typically characterized by its viscosity and low volatility.

Melting point (Celsius)
12.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
285.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
307.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
580.15
General information
Molecular weight
178.28g/mol
Molar mass
178.2810g/mol
Density
0.9625g/cm3
Appearence

3-Heptylphenol is a colorless to pale yellow liquid. It is a phenolic compound with a hydroxy group attached to an aromatic benzene ring and a heptyl chain connected at the 3-position of the phenol. The consistency is generally liquid at room temperature. Its appearance may vary slightly depending on impurities and conditions of storage.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-Heptylphenol

3-Heptylphenol, a compound with the chemical formula C15H24O, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are influenced by its hydrophobic alkyl chain and hydrophilic hydroxyl group.

The solubility of 3-heptylphenol can be summarized as follows:

  • Solvent Interactions: This compound is primarily soluble in organic solvents due to its long hydrocarbon chain. Typical organic solvents include:
    • Hexane
    • Toluene
    • Chloroform
  • Aqueous Solubility: Due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, 3-heptylphenol displays limited solubility in water, making it more suitable for non-aqueous environments.
  • Temperature Effects: Like many organic compounds, the solubility of 3-heptylphenol may increase with temperature, enhancing its miscibility with organic solvents.

In summary, the dual nature of 3-heptylphenol confers it a degree of hydrophilicity from the hydroxyl group, but its predominant hydrophobic characteristics from the heptyl group result in a compound that is more soluble in organic solvents than in water. Understanding these solubility properties is crucial for various applications in chemistry and biochemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-Heptylphenol

3-Heptylphenol, also known as a branched alkylphenol, is a fascinating compound with several noteworthy properties and applications. Here are some key points that make this compound intriguing:

  • Role in Industry: 3-Heptylphenol is commonly used as a precursor for the synthesis of various surfactants and detergents. Its hydrophobic heptyl chain enhances the compound's ability to interact with organic substances.
  • Biological Significance: This compound has drawn interest in biochemical research due to its potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Such properties have implications for human health and environmental safety.
  • Polymer Production: 3-Heptylphenol can be utilized in the creation of thermoplastic materials. These materials often exhibit improved resistance to heat and chemical degradation, making them suitable for demanding applications.
  • Research Applications: The compound is a subject of study in understanding the behavior of phenolic compounds in environmental chemistry, particularly in the degradation processes and effects on aquatic ecosystems.
  • Structure and Reactivity: The presence of both phenolic and alkyl functional groups in 3-heptylphenol leads to unique reactivity patterns. This unique structure is key to its application in organic synthesis and material science.

In summary, while 3-heptylphenol may not be as commonly discussed as some other organic compounds, its industrial relevance, potential biological effects, and role in research make it a compound worthy of attention in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.

Synonyms
Phenol, 3-heptyl-
103151-49-1
DTXSID40275058
RefChem:369171
DTXCID00226506
3-heptylphenol
SCHEMBL1840864