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5-Hydroxyoctanoic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H16O3
CAS number
495-68-3
IUPAC name
5-hydroxyoctanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid can exist as a waxy solid or a viscous liquid, depending on the ambient temperature and purity of the sample.

Melting point (Celsius)
33.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
306.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
276.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
549.85
General information
Molecular weight
160.21g/mol
Molar mass
160.2110g/mol
Density
0.9935g/cm3
Appearence

5-Hydroxyoctanoic acid appears as a colorless or pale yellow liquid or solid. It can have a slightly oily appearance depending on the temperature, as it moves from a solid state to a liquid state around its melting point.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 5-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid

5-hydroxyoctanoic acid, with the chemical formula C8H16O3, exhibits unique solubility characteristics that make it interesting in various applications.

Key aspects of its solubility include:

  • Solvent Interaction: This compound is more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone than in water, attributed to its hydrophobic alkyl chain.
  • Hydrophilic Nature: The hydroxyl group (-OH) contributes some hydrogen bonding capability, enhancing its solubility in polar solvents to a degree.
  • Temperature Dependence: Solubility may increase with temperature, particularly in non-polar solvents, due to increased molecular motion.

Overall, the solubility characteristics of 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid can be summarized as:

  1. Limited solubility in water
  2. Good solubility in polar organic solvents
  3. Temperature-sensitive behavior

In essence, understanding the solubility of 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid is crucial for its applications in organic synthesis, surfactants, and other chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 5-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid

5-Hydroxyoctanoic acid is a fascinating compound with both biochemical and industrial significance. This fatty acid is derived from natural sources, and its structure allows it to play a critical role in various biological processes. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Biological Role: It has been identified as an important intermediate in the metabolism of specific fats in the body, particularly in the synthesis of various lipids.
  • Potential Uses: Researchers are exploring its potential applications in pharmaceutical formulations, especially in drug delivery systems, due to its amphiphilic nature.
  • Plant Derivation: This compound can be sourced from certain plants, making it a candidate for sustainable production methods that align with green chemistry principles.
  • Research Interest: It has sparked interest in studies related to its antimicrobial properties, with preliminary findings suggesting it could inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
  • Functionalized Derivatives: The hydroxyl group in 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid opens the door for further chemical modifications, allowing scientists to create various derivatives with tailored properties for specific applications.

In conclusion, 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid stands at the intersection of biochemistry and innovation in materials science. Its unique features continue to attract attention from researchers aiming to harness its properties for health and industry. As quoted by one prominent researcher, "Understanding compounds like 5-hydroxyoctanoic acid could lead to transformative advancements in both healthcare and sustainable practices."

Synonyms
5-hydroxy-octanoic acid
RefChem:1073008
5-hydroxyoctanoic acid
5-hydroxycaprylic acid
17369-50-5
Octanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-
QBW8G7HU58
UNII-QBW8G7HU58
SCHEMBL380857
CHEBI:180039
LMFA01050227