What Is Hexanol Alcohol?
Hexanol alcohol, a 6-carbon alkyl alcohol, includes 1-hexanol (n-hexyl alcohol or hexyl alcohol) as one of its most common forms. This organic compound is a colorless liquid derived from coconut oil and palm oil and as an intermediate in cellulose conversion. Classified as safety laws, it requires careful handling.
Uses of Hexanol Alcohol
As a versatile solvent, hexanol alcohol is used in the production of plasticizers, and organic synthesis, and as a surfactant, antiseptic, disinfectant, and finishing agent for textiles and leather. It also serves as an odorant in olfactory studies, and the manufacture of air fresheners and fragrances. 3-hexanol alcohol contributes the aroma of pineapple to food additives and is employed in cosmetics for its antifoaming and fragrance properties.
Properties of Hexanol Alcohol
1-hexanol alcohol exhibits limited water solubility but dissolves well in alcohols and ethers. It has a density of 0.8153 g/cm³ at 25°C, with a melting point of -51.6°C, and a boiling point of 157°C. The linear structure of hexanol alcohol also encompasses 2-hexanol and 3-hexanol, with varying densities and boiling points.
Structure of Hexanol Alcohol
Hexanol alcohol is structured with one hydrogen of hexane replaced by a hydroxy group, resulting in 17 isomers. These include eight primary alcohols, six secondary alcohols, and three tertiary alcohols, depending on the hydroxy group’s position and branching.
Other Information on Hexanol Alcohol
1. 1-Hexanol Synthesis
Industrial synthesis of 1-hexanol alcohol involves oligomerization of ethylene, with triethylaluminum used for oxidation. Fractional distillation is required to separate alcohols of different chain lengths. Alternatively, 1-hexanol can be synthesized through the hydrogenation of hexanal produced in the hydroformylation of 1-pentene.
2. Structural Isomer of Hexanol Alcohol, a Primary Alcohol
Primary alcohol hexanol includes 1-hexanol and variants like 2-methyl-1-pentanol, with structural diversity extending to hexanol alcohols with different carbon chain lengths and branching.
3. Structural Isomers of the Secondary Alcohol Hexanol Alcohol
Secondary alcohol hexanol variants include 2-hexanol and 3-hexanol, among others, highlighting the complexity of hexanol’s isomeric structures.
4. Structural Isomers of the Tertiary Alcohol Hexanol Alcohol
Tertiary alcohol hexanol encompasses isomers such as 2-methyl-2-pentanol, illustrating the diversity of hexanol alcohol’s molecular configurations.