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Hexacontane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C60H122
CAS number
632-51-9
IUPAC name
hexacontane
State
State

Hexacontane is a solid at room temperature. Due to its long carbon chain, it exhibits properties similar to paraffin waxes commonly used in industrial applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
95.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
368.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
647.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
920.15
General information
Molecular weight
843.66g/mol
Molar mass
843.6550g/mol
Density
0.8290g/cm3
Appearence

Hexacontane appears as a waxy solid at room temperature. It is typically colorless and may have a slight sheen. As a higher alkane, it is less volatile and tends to appear similar to paraffin wax.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hexacontane

Hexacontane, with the chemical formula C60H122, is a long-chain alkane that exhibits very low solubility in water. This characteristic solubility behavior can be attributed to its molecular structure:

  • Nonpolar Nature: Being a hydrocarbon, hexacontane lacks polar functional groups, which limits its interaction with polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: Its long carbon chain leads to significant hydrophobic interactions, making it prefer nonpolar solvents such as hexane or diethyl ether.
  • Solvent Compatibility: In nonpolar solvents, hexacontane displays good solubility, forming homogenous mixtures.

In practical terms, this means:

  • Hexacontane can effectively dissolve in organic solvents, facilitating its application in various chemical processes.
  • When introduced to water, it will likely not dissolve, potentially forming a separate layer, highlighting its water-insoluble nature.

In summary, the solubility of hexacontane is a clear demonstration of how molecular structure influences interactions with solvents. As a result, it serves as an important consideration in both industrial and laboratory settings, particularly when selecting suitable solvents for chemical reactions.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hexacontane

Hexacontane, with its intriguing name derived from the Greek words for "sixty" and "stretch," is a fascinating alkane that captures the interest of both scientists and chemistry enthusiasts alike. As a straight-chain saturated hydrocarbon, it belongs to the family of compounds that are predominantly made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms, boasting a whopping hexacontane (C60H122) configuration.

Key Characteristics:

  • Nature of Hexacontane: It is a part of the higher alkanes, known for existing in solid form at room temperature.
  • Uses in Industry: Hexacontane can be utilized in various applications including as a standard in the investigation of phase transitions and hydrophobic interactions.
  • Biological Relevance: Alkanes such as hexacontane have significance in environmental studies, especially concerning their role as potential bioindicators in oil spills.
  • Research Applications: This compound can serve as a reference point in the study of lipid membranes in biological systems, highlighting its relevance to biochemistry.

One of the remarkable aspects of hexacontane is its large molecular structure, which affects its physical properties and interactions with other substances. According to scientists, "the longer the carbon chain, the more complex the behaviors," leading to an exploration of diverse phenomena associated with long-chain hydrocarbons.

Moreover, hexacontane acts as an excellent model for understanding molecular organization in solid-state physics and helps in elucidating the behavior of similar long-chain molecules. Overall, hexacontane stands out not only due to its structure but also for the multitude of scientific inquiries it inspires.

Synonyms
Hexacontane
7667-80-3
EINECS 231-643-7
DTXSID00227472
DTXCID00149963
231-643-7
ocwuchkzahtzab-uhfffaoysa-n
N-HEXACONTANE
Hexacontane; n-Hexacontane
Hexacontane, 98%
FH159015
NS00046064
Q20890380
6A8D8087-E5DB-4A13-B9AD-8D29E4237380