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3,4-Dimethylfuran

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H8O
CAS number
14124-67-5
IUPAC name
3,4-dimethylfuran
State
State

At room temperature, 3,4-dimethylfuran is in a liquid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
-90.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
183.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
93.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
366.15
General information
Molecular weight
96.13g/mol
Molar mass
96.1270g/mol
Density
0.9149g/cm3
Appearence

3,4-Dimethylfuran is a clear, colorless liquid. It may have a sweet odor and is similar in appearance to other low molecular weight organic solvents.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3,4-Dimethylfuran

3,4-Dimethylfuran, with the chemical formula C6H8O, exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics that are notable for various applications. This organic compound is a derivative of furan and is known to be:

  • Soluble in organic solvents: It shows good solubility in non-polar and moderately polar organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and chloroform.
  • Insoluble in water: The polar nature of water limits the solubility of 3,4-dimethylfuran, making it essentially insoluble in this solvent!

This limited solubility in water can be attributed to its relatively low polarity due to the presence of two methyl groups, which enhances hydrophobic interactions rather than hydrophilic interactions. As a result, 3,4-dimethylfuran is more likely to dissolve in environments that can accommodate its structural characteristics.

In summary, while 3,4-dimethylfuran can be effectively utilized in various organic reactions and processes, its solubility profile highlights a key aspect for chemists to consider when working with this compound:

  • Appropriate solvent choice is crucial for successful experimentation.
  • Applications should account for its hydrophobic nature.

Understanding these solubility traits allows for more effective use in research and industrial applications!

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3,4-Dimethylfuran

3,4-Dimethylfuran is a fascinating organic compound that belongs to the furan family, which is a class of heterocyclic compounds containing a five-membered aromatic ring with four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. This compound, with two methyl groups attached to the furan ring, offers several intriguing properties and applications.

Key Characteristics:

  • Natural Occurrence: 3,4-Dimethylfuran can be found naturally in various essential oils and is also a byproduct of the thermal degradation of sugars.
  • Fuel Source: It has gained attention as a potential biofuel due to its favorable properties for combustion and energy density, making it a promising candidate for renewable energy solutions.
  • Facilitating Chemical Synthesis: This compound serves as an important intermediate in organic synthesis, especially in producing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

Applications:

The versatility of 3,4-Dimethylfuran is highlighted in several areas, including:

  • Research: Scientists study its reactivity in various chemical reactions to improve synthetic methods.
  • Industrial Use: Its role as a solvent and in chemical manufacturing showcases its significance in industrial chemistry.
  • Sustainable Chemistry: As a renewable fuel, it illustrates the transition towards sustainable resources, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In conclusion, 3,4-Dimethylfuran is not only a compound of academic interest but also a potential key player in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Its unique properties and versatile applications continue to make it a significant subject of study in the field of chemistry.

Synonyms
3,4-dimethylfuran
Furan, 3,4-dimethyl-
DTXSID30174960
RefChem:271209
DTXCID0097451
958-918-0
IVHPMIPYSOTYNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
20843-07-6
MFCD01726019
3,4-Dimethyl-furan
SCHEMBL266735
SCHEMBL426079
SCHEMBL8833394
AKOS030239789
DB-066343
EN300-251360