Bornane

Bornane is an organic compound with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₈. It is a cycloalkane and a saturated hydrocarbon, which means it consists only of carbon and hydrogen atoms and contains no double bonds or triple bonds. Bornane is named after the balsam fir tree (Abies balsamea), from which it was first isolated, and its name is derived from the Latin balsamum, meaning "balsam tree".

Structure and Properties

Bornane is a monocyclic compound, meaning it contains a single ring of carbon atoms. This ring is made up of ten carbon atoms, making it a decane. The structure of bornane is characterized by its chair conformation, which is the most stable conformation for cycloalkanes with six or more carbon atoms.

In terms of its physical properties, bornane is a colorless, crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a relatively high melting point and boiling point for a hydrocarbon, due to the large number of carbon atoms in its structure.

Synthesis and Reactions

Bornane can be synthesized from pinene, a compound found in the oils of many species of pine trees. The reaction involves a rearrangement reaction known as the Wagner-Meerwein rearrangement, followed by a reduction reaction.

In terms of its chemical reactions, bornane can undergo a variety of substitution reactions and addition reactions typical of saturated hydrocarbons. For example, it can react with halogens in a halogenation reaction to form halobornanes.

Uses

Bornane has been used in the synthesis of a variety of chemical compounds, including pharmaceutical drugs and perfumes. It is also used as a solvent in some industrial applications.

See Also

• Cycloalkane
• Saturated hydrocarbon
• Organic compound
• Chemical synthesis