1,8-Octanediol

A chemical compound used in various industrial applications

1,8-Octanediol is a diol with the chemical formula C_H__O_. It is a linear aliphatic compound that consists of an eight-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group attached to each terminal carbon atom. This compound is used in the production of polymers, plasticizers, and as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemical compounds.

Structure and Properties

1,8-Octanediol is a saturated diol, meaning it contains no double bonds or triple bonds within its carbon chain. The presence of two hydroxyl groups makes it a bifunctional compound, allowing it to participate in various chemical reactions, such as esterification and etherification.

The compound is a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is soluble in water and many organic solvents. Its melting point is approximately 60°C, and it has a boiling point of around 250°C.

Applications

1,8-Octanediol is utilized in several industrial applications due to its chemical properties:

• Polymer Production: It is used as a monomer in the synthesis of polyesters and polyurethanes. The diol reacts with dicarboxylic acids or diisocyanates to form long-chain polymers with desirable mechanical properties.

• Plasticizers: The compound is used to produce plasticizers, which are added to plastics to increase their flexibility and durability.

• Chemical Intermediate: 1,8-Octanediol serves as an intermediate in the synthesis of various chemical compounds, including fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and surfactants.

Safety and Handling

While 1,8-Octanediol is generally considered to be of low toxicity, it should be handled with care. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles should be worn to prevent skin and eye contact. In case of exposure, affected areas should be rinsed thoroughly with water.

Related pages

• Diol
• Polyester
• Polyurethane
• Plasticizer

Gallery

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  Structural formula of 1,8-Octanediol