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4-Methylhexanoic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H14O2
CAS number
646-09-3
IUPAC name
4-methylhexanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, 4-methylhexanoic acid is in a liquid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
-51.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
222.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
215.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
488.15
General information
Molecular weight
130.19g/mol
Molar mass
130.1870g/mol
Density
0.9242g/cm3
Appearence

4-Methylhexanoic acid is a colorless oily liquid with a slight fatty odor. It typically appears in its liquid form under standard conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 4-methylhexanoic acid

4-methylhexanoic acid, with the chemical formula C7H14O2, is an organic compound that exhibits interesting solubility characteristics. Its solubility is primarily influenced by the presence of the carboxylic acid functional group, which is polar in nature.

Key Solubility Traits:

  • Solvent Compatibility: 4-methylhexanoic acid is soluble in polar solvents such as water, especially when considering its capacity to form hydrogen bonds.
  • Hydrocarbon Dynamics: It has limited solubility in non-polar solvents due to the alkyl chain, which increases hydrophobic interactions.
  • Temperature Effects: Solubility can increase with temperature, making it more effective in applications where heat is utilized.
  • pH Influence: As a carboxylic acid, its solubility can also be enhanced in alkaline conditions where it becomes deprotonated, leading to increased solubility as its conjugate base.

In brief, “the solubility of 4-methylhexanoic acid varies significantly depending on the solvent used and environmental conditions.” This is essential for applications in fields such as pharmaceuticals, where maximizing solubility is crucial for drug formulation and delivery.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 4-Methylhexanoic Acid

4-Methylhexanoic acid, a fascinating compound within the realm of organic chemistry, has many intriguing characteristics and applications. Here are some essential points that highlight its significance:

  • Nature of the Compound: This compound is a branched-chain fatty acid. The presence of the −COOH (carboxylic acid) functional group gives it notable acidity and reactivity.
  • Biochemical Relevance: As a fatty acid, 4-methylhexanoic acid plays a role in biological systems. It can be involved in metabolic pathways relevant to energy production.
  • Industrial Applications: It is widely used in the production of esters, which are critical for synthetic processes. These esters find applications in the manufacture of lubricants, coatings, and plastics.
  • Flavors and Fragrances: This compound is also utilized in the flavors and fragrance industry due to its pleasant scent, improving the aroma profile of various products.
  • Analytical Studies: In research, 4-methylhexanoic acid serves as an important standard for gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses, showcasing its role in analytical chemistry.
  • Potential Health Benefits: Some studies have suggested possible health benefits of fatty acids, including anti-inflammatory properties and roles in cognitive function.

In summary, 4-methylhexanoic acid is more than just a simple organic compound. Its multifaceted roles in industrial applications, its importance in biological systems, and its utility in research highlight its significance within the scientific community. As noted by chemists, "Understanding the properties of such compounds opens doors to innovation and application in various fields."

Synonyms
4-METHYLHEXANOIC ACID
1561-11-1
Hexanoic acid, 4-methyl-
4-methylcaproic acid
4-ethylpentanoic acid
E1R4C4A1NO
EINECS 216-336-8
NSC 249817
NSC-249817
DTXSID70862692
CAPROIC ACID, .GAMMA.-METHYL-
DTXCID10811422
CAPROIC ACID, GAMMA-METHYL-
4-METHYLHEXANOIC ACID, (+-)-
216-336-8
4-METHYLHEXANOICACID
4-methyl-hexanoic acid
UNII-E1R4C4A1NO
(+/-)-4-Methylhexanoic Acid; 4-Ethylpentanoic Acid; 4-Methylcaproic Acid; NSC 249817
4-methyl hexanoic acid
d-4-Methylhexanoic acid
SCHEMBL50857
4-Methylhexanoic acid, 97%
CHEMBL1789159
CHEBI:180001
STR02741
LMFA01020082
NSC249817
AKOS010054807
4-METHYLHEXANOIC ACID, (+/-)-
Hexanoic acid, 4-methyl-, (.+/-.)-
DB-064119
CS-0199329
NS00048384
E84082
EN300-134849
Q27276761
Z955111774