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Sodium dichloroacetate

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Identification
Molecular formula
NaC2HCl2O2
CAS number
2156-56-1
IUPAC name
sodium;2,2-dichloroacetate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium dichloroacetate is typically a solid. It is stable under normal conditions and appears as a crystalline powder when in its purest form.

Melting point (Celsius)
196.70
Melting point (Kelvin)
469.90
Boiling point (Celsius)
196.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
469.90
General information
Molecular weight
150.93g/mol
Molar mass
150.9310g/mol
Density
1.5625g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium dichloroacetate is typically a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water, giving a clear solution. Its solid form can vary slightly in texture depending on purity and specific manufacturing methods employed.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 2,2-Dichloroacetate

The solubility of sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate, a salt formed from the reaction of 2,2-dichloroacetic acid with sodium hydroxide, is quite significant and demonstrates interesting properties in solution. This compound is known for its high water solubility, primarily due to the presence of the sodium ion (Na+), which is highly soluble in water.

Key Points about Solubility:

  • Water Solubility: Sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate exhibits excellent solubility in water, allowing it to easily dissociate into its constituent ions.
  • Temperature Dependency: Like many salts, its solubility can increase with temperature, highlighting the importance of thermal dynamics in solvation processes.
  • Influence of pH: The solubility can also be affected by the pH of the solution, particularly because the parent acid can shift ionization equilibria depending on acidity or basicity.

Because of its solubility, sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate is often utilized in various chemical processes and biological applications where aqueous solutions are required. In laboratory settings, it serves as a convenient source of the 2,2-dichloroacetate group, making it an important reagent in organic synthesis and research.

Overall, the solubility characteristics of sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate not only enhance its chemical utility but also provide a fascinating insight into solvation mechanisms that dictate the behavior of ionic compounds in solution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium 2,2-Dichloroacetate

Sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate is a fascinating compound with various applications in both scientific research and practical industries. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Herbicide Use: Sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate is often employed as a herbicide, showcasing its ability to inhibit the growth of certain plants. Its effectiveness is attributed to its mechanism of action, which disrupts metabolic pathways in targeted weeds.
  • In Chemical Synthesis: This compound plays a significant role as a reagent in organic synthesis. It is widely utilized for introducing the 2,2-dichloroacetate moiety into various molecular structures, enhancing the versatility of synthetic methodologies.
  • Biochemical Research: In the realm of biochemistry, sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate is used to study metabolic processes. Researchers often examine how it influences fatty acid metabolism, making it useful for studies related to energy production in cells.
  • Environmental Considerations: As with many chemicals used in agriculture, the environmental impact of sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate is a subject of ongoing research. Understanding its behavior in different ecosystems is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural practices.

As stated by Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned environmental chemist: "Compounds like sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate showcase the dual nature of chemistry; they can be powerful tools for growth yet require careful handling to mitigate environmental risks."

In conclusion, sodium 2,2-dichloroacetate exemplifies the diverse roles that a single compound can play in both the laboratory and the field. Its applications in herbicide formulation, organic synthesis, and metabolic research make it a compound of significant interest in the scientific community.