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Heptadecyltrimethylammonium chloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C19H42ClN
CAS number
112-02-7
IUPAC name
heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium;chloride
State
State

At room temperature, Heptadecyltrimethylammonium chloride is typically in a solid state. This is due to its high melting point compared to room temperature conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
258.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
531.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
340.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
613.15
General information
Molecular weight
320.01g/mol
Molar mass
320.0000g/mol
Density
0.8925g/cm3
Appearence

Heptadecyltrimethylammonium chloride typically appears as a white crystalline solid or powder. This ionic compound has a hygroscopic nature, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the air, which can sometimes affect its texture. In pure form, it is consistent and uniform in its crystalline structure, lending well to applications requiring consistent reagent quality.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium Chloride

Heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium chloride, a quaternary ammonium compound, exhibits interesting solubility properties influenced by its long hydrophobic alkyl chain and the positively charged ammonium group. Understanding its solubility behavior is crucial for applications in various fields, particularly in formulations as surfactants and disinfectants.

Solubility Characteristics:

  • Solvent Interaction: This compound is generally soluble in polar organic solvents due to the presence of the ammonium ion and can also interact with water molecules to a certain extent.
  • Hydrophobic Nature: The long C17H36 hydrocarbon chain contributes significant hydrophobicity, making it less soluble in water compared to shorter-chain ammonium salts.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility tends to increase with temperature, as increased kinetic energy can facilitate interactions with solvent molecules.
  • Concentration Threshold: At higher concentrations, the solubility behavior might change as intermolecular interactions can lead to aggregation or precipitation.

It is important to note that “like dissolves like” is a principle that holds true here; thus, this compound finds better solubility in non-polar solvent environments compared to aqueous solutions. Understanding these aspects of solubility can greatly enhance the effective use of heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium chloride in practical applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium Chloride

Heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium chloride is an intriguing compound that falls under the category of quaternary ammonium salts, often known for their antibacterial and surfactant properties. Here are some fascinating aspects of this compound:

  • Quaternary Ammonium Salts: Being a quaternary ammonium salt, it consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to four organic groups, which contributes to its unique biological activity and surface-active properties.
  • Chain Length Matters: The 'heptadecyl' part of its name indicates a long alkyl chain of 17 carbon atoms, which influences its hydrophobic characteristics and enhances its effectiveness as a surfactant.
  • Antimicrobial Activity: Compounds like heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium chloride are known for their antimicrobial properties, making them valuable in various applications, including disinfectants and antiseptics.
  • Use in Industry: This compound finds utility in the formulation of personal care products, fabric softeners, and even in some industrial applications as a phase transfer catalyst.
  • Interactions with Membranes: Due to its amphiphilic nature, this compound can interact readily with lipid membranes, which has led to its study in biological systems for drug delivery and cellular interactions.

In summary, heptadecyl(dimethyl)ammonium chloride is not just an ordinary salt; its properties confer it with a wide range of applications in fields like biochemistry and material science. As the study of such compounds evolves, they continue to open new doors for innovation and research.

Synonyms
N,N-Dimethyl-1-heptadecylamine hydrochloride
2016-44-6
1-hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
N,N-Dimethylheptadecylamine hydrochloride
Dimethylheptadecylamine chlorhydrate [French]
Dimethylheptadecylamine chlorhydrate
HEPTADECYLAMINE, N,N-DIMETHYL-, HYDROCHLORIDE