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Hexamethonium

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Identification
Molecular formula
C16H36N2
CAS number
60-31-1
IUPAC name
trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium
State
State
At room temperature, hexamethonium is generally in a solid state. It manifests as a crystalline powder that is often stored in air-tight containers to prevent moisture absorption and degradation of its physicochemical integrity.
Melting point (Celsius)
161.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
434.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
301.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
574.15
General information
Molecular weight
284.49g/mol
Molar mass
284.4580g/mol
Density
0.9800g/cm3
Appearence

Hexamethonium appears as a white to semi-white crystalline solid. This compound may also be found as a powder form, often showcasing a slight gleam or sheen due to its crystalline nature. It is usually odorless or might have a faint ammoniacal odor due to the presence of the ammonium groups in its structure.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Insights for Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium

The solubility of trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium can be understood through a few important characteristics:

  • Polar Nature: This compound contains multiple quaternary ammonium groups, which significantly increases its polarity. As a result, it is expected to exhibit higher solubility in polar solvents, especially water.
  • Hydrophilic Interactions: The presence of charged ammonium groups makes it conducive to forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules, thereby enhancing its solubility.
  • Solvent Compatibility: While it generally dissolves well in polar solvents, it may show limited solubility in non-polar solvents. This is due to the strength of interactions between the compound's polar groups and the solvent molecules.

To summarize, trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium is likely to be:

  1. Highly soluble in water
  2. Less soluble in organic, non-polar solvents

The overall solubility is a critical factor to consider, especially in applications involving aqueous environments. As noted, the solubility behavior is largely a reflection of the balance between the compound’s structure and the solvent’s characteristics.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium

This compound is a fascinating example of a quaternary ammonium salt, characterized by the presence of four alkyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom. Its unique structure lends it a variety of interesting properties and applications.

Key Features:

  • Cationic Nature: As a quaternary ammonium compound, it carries a positive charge, which makes it a good candidate for various industrial and biochemical applications.
  • Surface Activity: This compound exhibits excellent surface-active properties, allowing it to function effectively as a detergent or surfactant.
  • Compatibility: It is highly soluble in organic solvents, which enhances its utility in formulations requiring compatibility with various chemical systems.
  • Biological Significance: Compounds like this one are extensively studied for their antimicrobial properties, making them useful in medical and sanitation applications.

One particularly interesting aspect of Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium is its role in facilitating the transfer of ions across cell membranes. This is crucial in pharmacology, where such compounds can be designed to improve drug delivery and effectiveness.

Moreover, the versatility of this compound can be seen in its applications across different fields, ranging from cosmetics to agriculture:

  • Used as a surfactant in shampoos and conditioners.
  • Essential in the formulation of agricultural pesticides.
  • Serves as a phase transfer catalyst in organic synthesis.

As noted by researchers, “The intricate balance of charge and hydrophobic character in quaternary ammonium compounds opens a multitude of avenues for application and innovation.” This highlights the ongoing research and potential future discoveries surrounding Trimethyl-[[4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl]methyl]ammonium and similar compounds.

Synonyms
SCHEMBL4797252
CHEMBL1189638
AKOS025150622
N,N,N-trimethyl{4-[(trimethylammonio)methyl]phenyl}methanaminium