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3,6-Dimethyloctanoic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H20O2
CAS number
52795-25-8
IUPAC name
3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, 3,6-Dimethyloctanoic acid is typically a liquid, demonstrating a clear to pale yellow appearance.

Melting point (Celsius)
-40.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
233.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
260.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
533.15
General information
Molecular weight
172.27g/mol
Molar mass
172.2660g/mol
Density
0.9058g/cm3
Appearence

3,6-Dimethyloctanoic acid appears as a colorless liquid at room temperature. It has an oily consistency and may exhibit a slightly yellow hue due to impurities or aging.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3,6-Dimethyloctanoic Acid

3,6-Dimethyloctanoic acid, a branched-chain fatty acid, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that are influenced by its molecular structure. Being an acidic compound, it possesses both hydrophobic and hydrophilic (polar) regions, leading to its variable solubility:

  • Solubility in Water: Generally, fatty acids with longer hydrocarbon chains tend to be slightly soluble in water. The solubility of 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid is limited due to its 8-carbon backbone, making it more lipophilic.
  • Solubility in Organic Solvents: This compound is highly soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as hexane and chloroform. As a rule of thumb, "like dissolves like," indicating that organic compounds dissolve well in non-polar environments.
  • Influence of Temperature: Temperature plays an important role in solubility. As a general observation, increasing temperature can enhance the solubility of this compound in both water and organic solvents.

In summary, the solubility behavior of 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid highlights the importance of considering both the structure and the environment when assessing how compounds behave in different solvents. Understanding these factors is crucial in applications involving this compound, especially in formulations for pharmaceuticals or cosmetics.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid

3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid is a fascinating organic compound belonging to the class of fatty acids. Here are some key highlights that make this compound particularly intriguing:

  • Structure and Isomerism: This compound features a branched-chain structure due to the presence of two methyl groups. Such branching can influence the properties and reactivity of fatty acids.
  • Biological Significance: Fatty acids play vital roles in biological systems, including energy storage and cellular structure. 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid could be of interest in metabolic studies, particularly in understanding how branched-chain fatty acids are utilized by the body.
  • Applications in Industry: Compounds like 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid might be utilized in the synthesis of various esters and surfactants, making them essential in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Chemical Reactivity: The presence of the carboxylic acid functional group allows for a wide range of chemical reactions. This means it can undergo esterification, amidation, and other reactions that are crucial in organic synthesis.
  • Research Potential: The unique structure of 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid means it could serve as a model for studying more complex fatty acid derivatives, potentially leading to the discovery of new compounds with beneficial properties.

Moreover, as researchers delve deeper into properties and reactions of branched-chain fatty acids, 3,6-dimethyloctanoic acid could very well lead to innovations in health, nutrition, and materials science. Its unique structure invites an ongoing exploration of its vast potential.

Synonyms
3,6-DIMETHYLOCTANOIC ACID
4812-29-7
UNII-C9U22J1UUR
C9U22J1UUR
Octanoic acid, 3,6-dimethyl-
DTXSID50964007
DTXCID401391727
3,6-Dimethyl octanoic acid
SCHEMBL13741106
GNEWRJUMMBRLST-UHFFFAOYSA-N
AKOS006277453
Q27275365