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Triton X-114

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Identification
Molecular formula
C27H50O3
CAS number
9036-19-5
IUPAC name
trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, Triton X-114 is typically in a liquid state. It is widely used as a surfactant in biological and biochemical applications due to its ability to solubilize membranes.

Melting point (Celsius)
11.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
284.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
300.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
573.00
General information
Molecular weight
472.80g/mol
Molar mass
472.8000g/mol
Density
0.9850g/cm3
Appearence

Triton X-114 is a clear, colorless liquid that may appear slightly viscous. It forms a cloudy dispersion in water upon heating, which separates into two phases.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium

Trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium, a quaternary ammonium compound, exhibits some intriguing solubility characteristics. Its solubility can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

  • Polarity: The presence of both hydrophobic (aromatic) and hydrophilic (ammonium) components leads to a mixed solubility profile.
  • Solvent Type: It tends to be more soluble in polar solvents such as water due to its ionic nature but may also dissolve in non-polar solvents to a lesser extent.
  • Concentration: High concentrations can lead to a phase separation, particularly in aqueous solutions.

In general, ionic compounds like this one are known to be more soluble in polar solvents. According to solubility principles, the adage "like dissolves like" applies here, suggesting that the ammonium group enhances solubility in polar environments. However, the bulky hydrophobic phenoxy group may hinder solubility slightly. Therefore, experimenting with different temperatures and solvent mixtures might yield optimal results in solubility studies.

Overall, the solubility of trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium showcases the complexity of solubility interactions and highlights the importance of considering both structural and environmental factors in understanding chemical behavior.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium

Trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium is a fascinating compound that belongs to the class of quaternary ammonium compounds. These compounds have a broad range of applications and properties that make them particularly interesting in various fields of chemistry and material science.

Key Characteristics

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compound: This compound consists of a central nitrogen atom bonded to three methyl groups and one ethoxy group, making it positively charged. This structure allows it to participate in ionic interactions.
  • Surfactant Properties: Often used in detergents and surfactants, trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium can reduce surface tension, which helps in emulsifying oil and water mixtures.
  • Antimicrobial Activity: Many quaternary ammonium compounds exhibit antimicrobial properties, making them useful as disinfectants and preservatives in various industries.
  • Versatility: Due to its unique structure, this compound can be utilized in agriculture as a pesticide or herbicide, enhancing crop protection mechanisms.

Applications in Research

This compound is not only significant in industry but also in scientific research. Some applications include:

  • As a model compound for studying the behavior of quaternary ammonium surfactants in the environment.
  • In biochemical studies, investigating its interactions with biological membranes.
  • As a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules.

In summary, trimethyl-[2-(2,4,6-trimethylphenoxy)ethyl]ammonium showcases the interplay between structure and function as a quaternary ammonium compound. Its applications span from practical uses in industry to significant implications in scientific and environmental research. As you delve deeper into the world of chemistry, keep an eye on compounds like this, as they often hold the key to innovative discoveries!