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Octacosane

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Identification
Molecular formula
C28H58
CAS number
630-02-4
IUPAC name
octacosane
State
State

Octacosane is a solid at room temperature. It is typically found in a crystalline form and can be described as waxy to the touch.

Melting point (Celsius)
61.40
Melting point (Kelvin)
334.60
Boiling point (Celsius)
431.90
Boiling point (Kelvin)
705.00
General information
Molecular weight
394.77g/mol
Molar mass
394.7700g/mol
Density
0.8129g/cm3
Appearence

Octacosane is a solid alkane hydrocarbon characterized by its waxy consistence. The compound appears as a colorless crystal or white powder. It is often found in paraffin waxes and exhibits a characteristic hydrocarbon odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Octacosane

Octacosane, with the chemical formula C28H58, is a long-chain alkane that displays distinctive properties when it comes to solubility:

  • Nonpolar Nature: Due to its long hydrocarbon chain, octacosane is nonpolar, which greatly influences its solubility behavior.
  • SOLVENT PREFERENCE: Typically, octacosane is soluble in nonpolar solvents such as hexane and toluene.
  • Water Insolubility: Octacosane is virtually insoluble in water due to its hydrophobic nature. The polar water molecules do not interact favorably with the nonpolar hydrocarbon chain.
  • Temperature Effect: Solubility in organic solvents can be affected by temperature, generally increasing with rising temperatures.

As a rule of thumb in chemistry, "like dissolves like" applies here; the nonpolar structure of octacosane makes it incompatible with polar solvents like water. Thus, its solubility is limited primarily to nonpolar environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Octacosane

Octacosane, a fascinating long-chain alkane, is known for its unique properties and applications in various fields. Here are some intriguing aspects of this hydrocarbon:

  • Natural Occurrence: Octacosane is found in natural sources such as beeswax and other plant waxes. Its presence contributes to the waxy texture and protective properties of these materials.
  • Structural Characteristics: As a straight-chain alkane with 28 carbon atoms, octacosane exhibits interesting structural features, which include a high degree of symmetry and hydrophobicity.
  • Applications in Industry: Due to its high melting point, octacosane is often utilized in the production of waxes, which have applications in candles, cosmetics, and food coatings.
  • Energy Storage: The compound has gained attention for its potential use in thermal energy storage systems. Its ability to store and release heat makes it a candidate for enhancing energy efficiency.
  • Environmental Insights: Studies on octacosane contribute to the understanding of environmental processes, especially in relation to long-chain hydrocarbons and their degradation in natural ecosystems.

As a prominent representative of long-chain alkanes, octacosane not only plays a significant role in industrial applications but also serves as an important model for studying the behavior and properties of similar compounds. Its versatility and wide-ranging applications underscore the importance of alkanes in both nature and technology.

Synonyms
OCTACOSANE
n-Octacosane
630-02-4
Octacosane, n-
NSC 5549
CCRIS 680
UNII-VFF49836P8
VFF49836P8
NSC-5549
EINECS 211-125-7
AI3-52615
DTXSID6058639
CHEBI:32943
HSDB 8358
CH3-[CH2]26-CH3
CH3-(CH2)26-CH3
DTXCID4032326
211-125-7
MFCD00009355
n-Octacosane 1000 microg/mL in Methanol
Octacosane 1000 microg/mL in Dichloromethane
NSC 5549; n-Octacosane
Octacosane, analytical standard
Octacosane, 99%
NSC5549
LMFA11000580
STL453125
AKOS015902504
HY-W272217
DB-054367
CS-0317451
NS00010789
O0002
D91782
Q3348776
E66BE919-93E8-4101-AB46-9612FE796394