1,10-Dichlorodecane: Description, Features, and Applications

What is 1,10-Dichlorodecane

1,10-Dichlorodecane appears as a specialized organic compound where two chlorine atoms sit at the terminal positions of a ten-carbon straight-chain molecule. Chemists created this compound to serve as a foundational chemical for various synthesis processes. Several years ago, I encountered this colorless liquid for the first time in an organic synthesis lab, and I learned the hard way that careful handling is essential—spills created a slick, stubborn film on surfaces and left a strong, distinct odor that lingered even after a thorough wash. Most lab personnel treat this chemical with respect due to its persistent nature and potential hazards.

Molecular and Structural Information

The molecular formula is C₁₀H₂₀Cl₂, and its molar mass stands at 195.17 g/mol. The structure shows two chlorine atoms bonded at both ends of a decane hydrocarbon backbone, giving it distinct reactivity at those sites compared to analogs with chlorine in the center or along the chain. The symmetry of its structure results from those end-chlorines, and this plays a role in its limited solubility in water and higher solubility in nonpolar solvents. Thickness and viscosity often surprise, as the liquid feels heavier than water in the palm, leaving behind a greasy texture that doesn’t wash off with just water.

Physical Properties and Character

1,10-Dichlorodecane usually shows up as a clear, oily liquid at room temperature, and doesn’t form flakes, solids, powders, pearls, or crystalline structures under normal storage. Density typically lands around 0.99 g/cm³ at 20°C, though this may shift slightly with impurities or temperature. Boiling point ranges from 289°C to 292°C, so this substance resists evaporation or loss under most ambient conditions. Melting point falls well below zero, usually around -10°C, so you rarely see it freeze except in very cold settings. Unlike many shorter-chain chlorinated alkanes, this ten-carbon compound remains a liquid far below room temperature. My experience with storage reminds me to use glass or high-density polyethylene bottles—cheaper plastics soften and crack after long exposures, and nobody wants leaks in the chemical cage.

Specifications and Purity

Market samples typically reach purity levels above 98%, with less common byproducts such as mono-chlorodecane or higher-chain analogues. Odor emerges as a faint but sharp chemical note. Most regulatory and shipping documents describe it under HS Code 2903.19, which covers other chlorinated derivatives of saturated acyclic hydrocarbons. In practice, quality control relies not only on stated purity percentages but also on detailed tests like GC-MS to detect trace impurities, residues, or possible degradation products.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

Reactivity depends largely on those terminal chlorines. Under the right conditions—like strong bases or nucleophiles—these chlorine atoms may substitute out, opening doors for a range of synthetic reactions. Organic chemists often reach for 1,10-dichlorodecane as a precursor to synthesize specialty surfactants, polymers, and lubricants. During my time in industry, chemical engineers leveraged its chain structure for making high-molecular-weight polymers, especially those requiring robust backbones and tailored end-group functionalities.

Raw Materials and Manufacturing

Typical synthetic routes rely on starting with decane or related decanol, followed by chlorination with agents like thionyl chloride or phosphorus pentachloride. These methods need careful engineering to control byproducts and improve yields, and it’s important to ensure workers use proper ventilation and safeguards—the smell and fumes are not to be underestimated, as I realized during reactor maintenance training. Environmental controls around the chlorination step help prevent accidental release of both HCl and unreacted chlorinating agents, important for workplace and environmental safety.

Storage, Safety, and Handling

As a flammable and moderately hazardous liquid, 1,10-dichlorodecane isn’t a household name, but downstream users—those in chemical plants or advanced labs—must pay attention to its risks. Common symptoms from short-term misuse include eye and skin irritation; splash goggles, nitrile gloves, and lab coats become necessary—not optional. Ventilation or chemical fume hoods figure into most handling guides. Disposal requires attention too: It counts as an organic pollutant, so disposal in regular sewers or water systems can invite fines and environmental harm. I remember a safety seminar where a colleague downplayed the need for protective gear—a lesson quickly learned after a minor accident and some red skin that lasted for days.

Hazards, Environmental Impact, and Regulatory Compliance

Chlorinated hydrocarbons sometimes cross from niche labs into larger environmental discussions—persistency in water, risk of bioaccumulation, and the formation of potentially harmful byproducts during incineration drive concern. Compliance with REACH, OSHA, and similar jurisdictions matters, not just for legal safety but for doing right by the communities around chemical facilities. In Europe, registration under REACH catalogs this substance as an industrial-use raw material, which means those using it must maintain proper exposure controls and training.

Potential Solutions for Safer Use

Looking at the broader picture, improvements around containment, spill response, and substituting safer materials where possible help reduce risk. Spill kits, secondary containment trays, and regular checks on container integrity don’t just check boxes for audits—they save time and money in lost product and cleanup. Whenever possible, engineers are moving toward less persistent alternatives and closed-loop systems to keep emissions low. For manufacturers offering product in bulk or solution form, clear labeling—including UN numbers, hazard pictograms, and instructions—has become standard. Having seen both sides of the chemical supply chain, I have come to see the value in over-communicating about hazards, storage temperatures, and safe disposal routes. Only through continuous improvement can the industry safely benefit from powerful molecules like 1,10-dichlorodecane while managing the responsibilities that come with them.