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Dihydroxyacetone

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H6O3
CAS number
96-26-4
IUPAC name
1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one
State
State

At room temperature, dihydroxyacetone is typically found as a solid, crystalline substance. It is also often supplied as a solution for various commercial and scientific applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
89.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
362.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
80.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
353.15
General information
Molecular weight
90.08g/mol
Molar mass
90.0790g/mol
Density
1.3200g/cm3
Appearence

Dihydroxyacetone is a white crystalline powder at room temperature. It is also available as an aqueous solution, which is colorless to slightly yellow.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one (C3H6O3)

1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one, commonly known as acrolein, exhibits noteworthy solubility characteristics due to its molecular structure. The presence of two hydroxyl groups (-OH) provides the compound with enhanced polar characteristics. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Solvent Interaction: This compound is highly soluble in water, making it an attractive option for various applications that require aqueous solutions.
  • Polarity: The polarity of 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one is attributed to its hydroxyl groups, which facilitate hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
  • Organic Solvents: In addition to water, this compound is also soluble in several organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.
  • Concentration Dependence: Its solubility may vary with temperature and concentration, often increasing at elevated temperatures.

In summary, 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one is a polar compound that boasts good solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents. As a result, it finds utility in a variety of chemical processes and formulations where solubility is a critical factor.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one

1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one, also known as acetol, is an intriguing compound with several notable characteristics:

  • Versatile Solvent: Acetol serves as a solvent in various chemical reactions and formulations, making it particularly useful in the paint and coating industry.
  • Precursor: It acts as an important intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, showcasing its significance in the development of various organic compounds.
  • Flavor and Fragrance: With a sweet flavor profile, acetol is utilized in the food industry as a flavoring agent, enhancing the taste of several products.
  • Biodegradable Nature: One of acetol's advantages is its biodegradable nature, which aligns well with the increasing demand for environmentally friendly chemical compounds.
  • Research and Development: Its properties make it a subject of interest in various areas of chemical research, including studies on reaction mechanisms and the synthesis of more complex organic molecules.

As a chemistry student or a chemical scientist, understanding the myriad applications and benefits of 1,3-dihydroxypropan-2-one can inspire innovative approaches to using this compound in both industrial and laboratory settings.

In the words of one chemist, "The versatility of acetol exemplifies the beauty of organic chemistry and its vital role in modern applications."

Synonyms
1,3-dihydroxyacetone
Dihydroxyacetone
96-26-4
1,3-Dihydroxypropan-2-one
1,3-Dihydroxy-2-propanone
glycerone
Chromelin
Viticolor
Dihyxal
Oxantin
Oxatone
Triulose
Soleal
Otan
2-Propanone, 1,3-dihydroxy-
1,3-Dihydroxypropanone
1,3-Dihydroxydimethyl ketone
Vitadye
NSC-24343
dihydroxy-acetone
Bis(hydroxymethyl) ketone
2-Propanone, 1,3-dihydroxy
Ketochromin
CCRIS 4899
BRN 1740268
UNII-O10DDW6JOO
O10DDW6JOO
AI3-24477
EINECS 202-494-5
MFCD00004670
FEMA NO. 4033
CHEBI:16016
HSDB 7513
Dihydroxyacetone [USP]
1,3-propanediol-2-one
alpha,alpha'-dihydroxyacetone
DTXSID0025072
EC 202-494-5
4-01-00-04119 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
Dihydroxyacetone (USP)
DIHYDROXYACETONE (MART.)
DIHYDROXYACETONE [MART.]
DIHYDROXYACETONE (USP-RS)
DIHYDROXYACETONE [USP-RS]
DIHYDROXYACETONE (USP MONOGRAPH)
DIHYDROXYACETONE [USP MONOGRAPH]
1,3 Dihydroxy 2 Propanone
Protosol
Aliphatic ketone
Dihydroxypropanone
Glycerone;DHA
Chromelin (TN)
1,3-Dihydroxyaceton
1.3-dihydroxyacetone
a,a'-Dihydroxyacetone
1,3-dihyroxy-acetone
1,3-dihydroxy-acetone
DIHYDROXY ACETONE
2-Propanone,3-dihydroxy-
bmse000144
DIHYDROXYACETONE [MI]
1, 3-dihydroxypropan-2-one
1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
DIHYDROXYACETONE [FHFI]
DIHYDROXYACETONE [HSDB]
DTXCID405072
DIHYDROXYACETONE [VANDF]
CHEMBL1229937
HY-Y0335R
1,3-Dihydroxyacetone (Standard)
DIHYDROXYACETONE [WHO-DD]
HY-Y0335
NSC24343
AKOS005259385
CS-W019614
DB01775
FD07750
GS-3764
SB83769
DA-69392
SY038299
D5818
NS00004299
C00184
D07841
EN300-121747
S12381
Q409618
BRD-K18637542-001-01-7
F0001-2767
Z1255442144
08CB5E10-C843-45EE-8556-4313C8E0BEA2
InChI=1/C3H6O3/c4-1-3(6)2-5/h4-5H,1-2H
202-494-5