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Heptadecylammonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C17H38NCl
CAS number
5155-68-0
IUPAC name
heptadecylammonium;chloride
State
State

At room temperature, heptadecylammonium chloride is typically in a solid state. It can be described as crystalline, with a greasy, wax-like structure upon handling.

Melting point (Celsius)
180.20
Melting point (Kelvin)
453.35
Boiling point (Celsius)
335.10
Boiling point (Kelvin)
608.25
General information
Molecular weight
321.97g/mol
Molar mass
321.9740g/mol
Density
0.9541g/cm3
Appearence

Heptadecylammonium chloride appears as a white crystalline solid. Sometimes, it is available as a white to off-white powder that is soluble in water, forming a clear or slightly hazy solution. The solid is known for its surfactant properties and can be sticky and wax-like to the touch.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Heptadecylammonium Chloride

Heptadecylammonium chloride, with its chemical formula C17H37ClN, is an intriguing compound when it comes to solubility. This compound is a quaternary ammonium salt which often exhibits interesting solvation characteristics.

When considering its solubility, two main factors come into play:

  • Hydrophobic Tail: The long alkyl chain consisting of 17 carbon atoms (heptadecyl) contributes significantly to the hydrophobic nature of the molecule, making it less soluble in water.
  • Ionic Character: The chloride ion provides ionic characteristics that generally enhance solubility in polar solvents, but the overwhelming hydrophobicity of the long carbon chain often leads to limited solubility in water.

In general, Heptadecylammonium chloride is found to be:

  • Soluble: In non-polar solvents such as aromatic hydrocarbons or chloroform due to its hydrophobic properties.
  • Partially Soluble: In polar solvents, particularly in lower concentrations where some degree of solvation can occur.
  • Insoluble: In water, because the hydrophobic part outweighs the ionic solubility benefits.

As a result, it is often stated that "the solubility of a compound is a balancing act between the hydrophobic and ionic characteristics." Therefore, in practical applications, one must take its unique solubility profile into consideration when employing heptadecylammonium chloride in various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Heptadecylammonium Chloride

Heptadecylammonium chloride is a fascinating quaternary ammonium compound with unique chemical properties and a variety of applications. Here are some interesting facts about it:

  • Structure and Function: Heptadecylammonium chloride consists of a long hydrophobic aliphatic chain (heptadecyl) attached to a positively charged ammonium ion, making it part of the larger class of surfactants.
  • Surfactant Properties: Due to its surfactant characteristics, it is widely used in various formulations including cleansing agents, emulsifiers, and disinfectants.
  • Biocidal Effects: This compound exhibits significant antimicrobial properties, making it effective for controlling microbial growth in both industrial and laboratory settings.
  • Versatile Applications: Heptadecylammonium chloride is utilized in a range of fields including cosmetics, where it acts as a conditioning agent, and in agriculture, as a potential herbicide.
  • Environmental Impact: As with many quaternary ammonium compounds, consideration of its environmental fate and the necessity for proper disposal methods is vital to mitigate possible ecological risks.
  • Synthesis Techniques: The synthesis of heptadecylammonium chloride often involves alkylation reactions, showcasing the fascinating chemistry behind obtaining such quaternary ammonium compounds.
  • Historical Insight: Research on ammonium salts dates back to the 18th century, and compounds like heptadecylammonium chloride contributed significantly to our understanding of organic chemistry and surfactants.

In summary, heptadecylammonium chloride is not just a typical salt; its combination of properties renders it crucial in various practical applications, illustrating the intricate relationship between chemical structure and function. As we continue to explore its potential, we gain greater insights into both its benefits and responsibilities within chemical science.

Synonyms
Heptadecanamine hydrochloride
1-Heptadecylamine hydrochloride
HEPTADECYLAMINE, HYDROCHLORIDE
NSC 165855
cetylmethylammonium chloride
SCHEMBL374326