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4-Methylpentanal

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H12O
CAS number
123-15-9
IUPAC name
4-methylpentanal
State
State

4-Methylpentanal is a liquid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-90.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
183.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
129.10
Boiling point (Kelvin)
402.25
General information
Molecular weight
100.16g/mol
Molar mass
100.1590g/mol
Density
0.8122g/cm3
Appearence

4-Methylpentanal is a colorless liquid that has a distinctive aldehyde-like odor. It is often described as having a pungent smell typical of low-molecular-weight aldehydes.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 4-methylpentanal

4-methylpentanal, with the molecular formula C6H12O, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics that are notable for its structural features. As an aldehyde, it has a functional group (-CHO) that influences its interaction with solvents.

Solubility in Water

When considering its solubility in water, several aspects come into play:

  • Polar Nature: The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to some level of polarity, allowing it to engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
  • Hydrophobic Alkyl Chain: The long hydrocarbon tail makes the molecule less polar overall, which can lead to lower solubility.
  • Resulting Solubility: 4-methylpentanal is expected to be moderately soluble in water, with higher solubility in organic solvents.

Solubility in Organic Solvents

In contrast, 4-methylpentanal shows a different behavior in organic solvents:

  • High Solubility: Its hydrophobic character allows for good solubility in non-polar and weakly polar solvents.
  • Applications: This characteristic makes it useful in various organic reactions and applications.

In summary, while 4-methylpentanal demonstrates moderate solubility in water, its solubility is significantly enhanced in organic solvents, showcasing the balance between its polar and non-polar components.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 4-Methylpentanal

4-Methylpentanal, a fascinating aliphatic aldehyde, is notable not only for its molecular structure but also for its varied applications in the chemical industry. This compound is characterized by its unique branched chain, which influences its chemical behavior and reactivity:

  • Structural Significance: The presence of the methyl group at the fourth position plays a crucial role in differentiating 4-methylpentanal from other aldehydes. This branching can lead to differences in physical and chemical properties, impacting its utility in various reactions.
  • Flavor and Fragrance: Interestingly, the compound has applications in the food and fragrance industries. Its sweet and fruity aroma makes it a candidate for flavoring agents and scent formulations.
  • Versatile Synthesis: 4-Methylpentanal can be synthesized through the oxidation of specific alcohols or via the hydroformylation of alkenes, demonstrating its versatility in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Biological Activity: Some studies indicate that aldehydes like 4-methylpentanal may exhibit biological activities, leading researchers to explore its potential in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.
  • Research Applications: As an important intermediate, 4-methylpentanal is an essential building block in the synthesis of numerous other organic compounds, showcasing its role in the advancement of chemical research.

In conclusion, 4-methylpentanal is more than just a simple aldehyde; its distinct structure and properties offer valuable insights and opportunities across various fields of chemistry. As research progresses, the true potential of this compound continues to unfold, making it an exciting subject for both scientists and students alike.

Synonyms
4-methylpentanal
4-Methylvaleraldehyde
1119-16-0
isocaproaldehyde
Pentanal, 4-methyl-
isohexanal
4-Methyl valeraldehyde
Valeraldehyde, 4-methyl-
4-Methyl-1-pentanal
4-Methylpentan-1-one
EINECS 214-273-0
T0AO9E93RH
BRN 0506059
AI3-30050
MFCD00871507
DTXSID8061509
CHEBI:17998
.GAMMA.-METHYLVALERALDEHYDE
3-01-00-02836 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
4-Methylpentanal (up to 75% hydrated form)
4-METHYLPENTALDEHYDE
isohexana
4-methyl-pentanal
4-methyl-Valeraldehyde
gamma-methylvaleraldehyde
UNII-T0AO9E93RH
SCHEMBL107778
DTXCID6033245
isocaproaldehyde: 4-methyl-Pentanal
AKOS011896097
BS-12750
SY224895
HY-148614
CS-0645781
NS00021523
C02373
EN300-105963
Q17517938
214-273-0