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Cyclopropane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H6
CAS number
75-19-4
IUPAC name
cyclopropane
State
State

At room temperature, cyclopropane is in the gaseous state. It is typically stored under pressure in gas cylinders.

Melting point (Celsius)
-126.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
147.20
Boiling point (Celsius)
-33.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
240.20
General information
Molecular weight
42.08g/mol
Molar mass
42.0810g/mol
Density
1.8790g/cm3
Appearence

At room temperature, cyclopropane is a colorless gas with a characteristic sharp odor. It is often stored as a compressed liquid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Cyclopropane

Cyclopropane, with the chemical formula C3H6, is a cyclic alkane characterized by its strained three-membered carbon ring. When it comes to solubility, cyclopropane exhibits some interesting properties:

  • Non-polar Character: Given its non-polar nature, cyclopropane is generally insoluble in water but is quite soluble in organic solvents.
  • Common Solvents: It readily dissolves in substances such as:
    • Hexane
    • Ether
    • Benzene
  • Temperature Influence: The solubility in organic solvents can also be influenced by temperature; increasing temperature typically enhances solubility.

To summarize, it can be said that cyclopropane’s solubility properties are defined by its hydrophobic nature and its preference for interacting with non-polar solvents rather than polar ones like water. This key trait makes cyclopropane particularly useful in various chemical applications, especially in organic synthesis.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Cyclopropane

Cyclopropane (C3H6) is a fascinating compound that boasts unique properties due to its distinctive three-membered ring structure. Here are some intriguing aspects of cyclopropane:

  • Ring Strain: One of the most notable characteristics of cyclopropane is its significant ring strain. The bond angles in the cyclopropane molecule are approximately 60 degrees, much smaller than the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees. This strain contributes to the compound’s reactivity.
  • Historical Significance: Cyclopropane was first synthesized in 1881 by the chemist Hermann Kolbe, making it a compound of historical interest in the realm of organic chemistry.
  • Uses in Medicine: Cyclopropane has a notable place in the history of anesthetics. It was used as an anesthetic agent due to its ability to induce anesthesia quickly, although its use has decreased due to safety concerns.
  • Cyclopropane in Organic Synthesis: Its unique structure allows cyclopropane to serve as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. It is often involved in reactions that lead to the formation of larger and more complex molecules.
  • Reactivity: Cyclopropane readily participates in reactions such as opening of its three-membered ring. This reaction, when catalyzed, can lead to the formation of various products, showcasing its potential in synthetic chemistry.

Due to these distinct features, cyclopropane is not just a simple alkane; it is a compound that presents multiple avenues for exploration and application, making it an exciting topic of study for chemists and students alike.

Synonyms
CYCLOPROPANE
Trimethylene
75-19-4
ciclopropano
cyclopropanum
Zyklopropan
Trimethylene (cyclic)
Cyclopropan
HSDB 812
EINECS 200-847-8
RC 270
CHEBI:30365
UNII-99TB643425
99TB643425
DTXSID4058786
CYCLOPROPANE (MART.)
CYCLOPROPANE [MART.]
Cyclopropane [INN]
CYCLOPROPANE (USP IMPURITY)
CYCLOPROPANE [USP IMPURITY]
Cyclopropanum [INN-Latin]
Ciclopropano [INN-Spanish]
Cyclopropane [USP:INN]
UN1027
Cyclopropnane
Cyclopropane [Anaesthetics, volatile]
MFCD00001268
Cyclopropane, >=99%
Cyclopropane (USP/INN)
CYCLOPROPANE [MI]
CYCLOPROPANE [HSDB]
CYCLOPROPANE [WHO-DD]
CYCLOPROPANE, LIQUEFIED
CHEMBL1796999
DTXCID1047734
CYCLOPROPANE, (LIQUEFIED)
DTXSID30178882
AKOS015915611
DB13984
UN 1027
Cyclopropane [UN1027] [Flammable gas]
InChI=1/C3H6/c1-2-3-1/h1-3H
NS00037687
D03627
Q80250
200-847-8