1-Tridecanol

1-Tridecanol

1-Tridecanol, also known as tridecyl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C₁₃H₂₈O. It is a colorless, waxy solid at room temperature and is used in various industrial applications, including as an intermediate in the production of surfactants, lubricants, and plasticizers.

Chemical Structure and Properties

1-Tridecanol is a linear, saturated fatty alcohol. Its structure consists of a 13-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the terminal carbon. This structure can be represented as CH₃(CH₂)₁₁CH₂OH.

Physical Properties

• Molecular Weight: 200.36 g/mol
• Melting Point: 32-36 °C
• Boiling Point: 270-280 °C
• Density: 0.83 g/cm³ at 20 °C
• Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether.

Chemical Properties

1-Tridecanol is a primary alcohol, which means it can undergo oxidation to form aldehydes and carboxylic acids. It is also capable of forming esters and ethers through reactions with acids and other alcohols, respectively.

Production

1-Tridecanol is typically produced through the hydrogenation of fatty acids or fatty acid esters derived from natural oils and fats. This process involves the reduction of the carbonyl group to a hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of the alcohol.

Applications

1-Tridecanol is used in a variety of applications due to its surfactant properties and ability to act as a lubricant and plasticizer.

• Surfactants: It is used as an intermediate in the production of nonionic surfactants, which are used in detergents and cleaning products.
• Lubricants: Its lubricating properties make it useful in the formulation of industrial lubricants.
• Plasticizers: It is used to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics.

Health and Safety

1-Tridecanol is generally considered to be of low toxicity. However, as with all chemicals, it should be handled with care. Prolonged exposure may cause skin irritation, and inhalation of vapors should be avoided.

Environmental Impact

As a biodegradable compound, 1-Tridecanol is considered to have a low environmental impact. However, its production and use should still be managed to minimize any potential ecological effects.

Also see

• Fatty alcohols
• Surfactants
• Lubricants
• Plasticizers
• Hydrogenation