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Diethyl phthalate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C12H14O4
CAS number
84-66-2
IUPAC name
diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate;ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate
State
State

Liquid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-40.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
233.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
298.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
571.15
General information
Molecular weight
222.24g/mol
Molar mass
222.2430g/mol
Density
1.1212g/cm3
Appearence

Diethyl phthalate is a clear, colorless, and oily liquid. It has a slight, aromatic odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Diethyl Benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and Ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate

When considering the solubility of the compounds diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate, it's essential to understand how their molecular structures influence their behavior in various solvents.

Diethyl Benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate

  • This compound is generally poorly soluble in water due to its large hydrophobic benzene ring structure.
  • It demonstrates moderate solubility in organic solvents, particularly those that are non-polar or weakly polar, such as hexane or dichloromethane.
  • Being an ester, it may have some extent of solubility in alcohols or other polar organic solvents.

As noted, "solubility is greatly influenced by the balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions in a molecule."

Ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate

  • This compound displays good solubility in water due to the presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH), which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • It also shows excellent solubility in a variety of organic solvents including ethanol and acetone.
  • Its solutory properties allow it to be used effectively in applications requiring solvation in both aqueous and organic environments.

In summary, solubility can significantly differ between compounds based on their functional groups and overall polarity, thereby impacting their utilization in chemical processes and formulations.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Diethyl Benzene-1,2-Dicarboxylate and Ethyl 2-Hydroxyacetate

Diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate are two fascinating compounds in organic chemistry, each with unique properties and applications.

Diethyl Benzene-1,2-Dicarboxylate

This compound, often utilized in synthetic organic chemistry, showcases several notable attributes:

  • Diverse Applications: Primarily used as an intermediate in the production of various chemicals, including plasticizers and pharmaceuticals.
  • Reactivity: The presence of two carboxylate groups makes this compound highly versatile, participating in a variety of chemical reactions such as esterifications and nucleophilic substitutions.
  • Functional Groups: With both ester and aromatic functionalities, it serves as a good example of how complex molecules can be derived from simpler ones.

Interestingly, it can also act as a starting material for more complex structures, making it a valuable compound in research labs.

Ethyl 2-Hydroxyacetate

On the other hand, ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate offers its own set of intriguing characteristics:

  • Solvent Properties: This compound is commonly used as a solvent in various applications, showcasing its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances.
  • Precursor to Reactions: It is often employed as a starting material in the synthesis of other chemical compounds, exemplifying its utility in organic synthesis.
  • Biological Significance: Ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate is also found in certain metabolic pathways, demonstrating the intersection of synthetic chemistry and biochemistry.

As stated by chemist Jean Jacques Perret, "Understanding the structures of compounds like these is essential for unlocking nature's secrets." This highlights the importance of studying molecular structures to inform practical applications.

Both compounds illustrate the versatility and intricacy of organic molecules, marking their significance in both industrial and academic settings. Exploring compounds such as diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate and ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate opens doors to innovative solutions in chemical synthesis and manufacturing.

Synonyms
diethyl benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate; ethyl 2-hydroxyacetate
SCHEMBL4834753
DTXSID50274759
7487-65-2