1-Heptanol

1-Heptanol

1-Heptanol is an organic compound that belongs to the alcohol family. It is a colorless liquid with a distinctive smell, often described as banana-like. It is used in a variety of applications, including as a flavoring agent and in the manufacture of plasticizers and pharmaceuticals.

Chemical Properties

1-Heptanol has the chemical formula C7H16O. It is a straight-chain primary alcohol with seven carbon atoms. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature and has a boiling point of 175.2 °C. It is slightly soluble in water but readily soluble in most organic solvents.

Uses

1-Heptanol is used in a variety of applications. It is used as a flavoring agent in the food industry due to its banana-like smell. It is also used in the manufacture of plasticizers, which are substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility. In the pharmaceutical industry, 1-heptanol is used as a precursor in the synthesis of certain drugs.

Safety

Like many alcohols, 1-heptanol is flammable and should be handled with care. It can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health effects. It is recommended to use appropriate protective equipment when handling this substance.

See Also

• Alcohol
• Organic compound
• Plasticizer
• Pharmaceutical industry