1-Chlorohexane: Detailed Overview

What is 1-Chlorohexane?

1-Chlorohexane doesn’t appear on the store shelf like familiar household chemicals, but people working with solvents or chemical intermediates might spot it among specialty raw materials. It’s a colorless liquid, not a powder or crystal, with a faint, sweet odor. The molecular formula reads C₆H₁₃Cl, which tells us this compound belongs to the alkyl halides or haloalkanes. Essentially, chemists take a simple six-carbon straight chain—hexane—and swap one hydrogen atom for a chlorine atom at the primary position. That switch gives the compound new chemical and physical properties, and a specific CAS number for identification.

Physical Properties and Structure

Looking into its physical characteristics, 1-Chlorohexane displays a liquid form at room temperature with a density hovering around 0.877 g/cm³. Its boiling point reaches about 151°C, so it won’t evaporate as quickly as some other solvents. It’s not soluble in water; pour some in and it’ll float, refusing to mix, but pour it into organic solvents like ether and it blends in easily. The structure features a straight six-carbon chain, and the chlorine atom latches onto the first carbon. That makes it a primary chloroalkane, and this arrangement leads to different reactivity compared to other isomers. In practical work, those details matter when someone needs specific reactivity or physical traits for synthesis, especially for specialty chemicals, surfactants, or materials research.

Material Specifications and Commercial Information

Those ordering or storing 1-Chlorohexane track it by its purity level, physical state (always expecting a liquid), molecular mass (120.62 g/mol), and compatibility with other chemicals in their facility. The HS Code, which trade specialists rely on for import/export, identifies it globally for customs as 2903190090 among other possible codes, according to the specific regional classification. Suppliers send out this material in sealed drums or bottles, stressing the need for secure storage conditions. A cool, ventilated place away from flames or sparks keeps accidents at bay, as the compound is flammable and releases harmful fumes if it burns.

Chemical Reactivity and Hazards

Anyone handling 1-Chlorohexane has to watch for its hazardous characteristics. Breathing in its vapors or squirt splashes on the skin introduces risks—headaches, dizziness, irritation, or longer-term harm with repeated exposure. Those on the frontlines of chemical labs know the importance of gloves, eyewear, and working with proper ventilation. On the technical side, the chlorine group sticking off the main carbon chain opens a door for nucleophilic substitution reactions. That feature powers its use as an intermediate for making other products, such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and surfactants. Chemists familiar with organic synthesis see value here, but the layperson should keep a long distance—misuse or mishandling triggers safety and health emergencies.

Practical Uses and Industry Applications

Few outside specialty chemicals circles talk about 1-Chlorohexane, yet it turns up in the background of countless production processes. Manufacturers in pharmaceuticals need it for building-block steps in synthesis—swapping out that chlorine for another group means new compounds take shape. Industrial surfactants, which lower the surface tension between fluids (think detergents or emulsifiers), often start with raw materials like this one. Agrochemical makers also reach for it, since that versatile chain length and single halogen allow for modification into various active agents. The need for purity—trace impurities can scuttle final product effectiveness—leads buyers to demand strict batch documentation from suppliers, making traceability and transparency essential features in the supply chain.

Safety Considerations and Regulatory Aspects

Strict safety norms guide its storage and transportation. Workers keep flammable liquids like 1-Chlorohexane in certified, clearly labeled containers. They check nearby ventilation and keep firefighting tools handy. Spills call for quick action with absorbent material and safe disposal, never sending it down the drain. Its inclusion in government regulatory lists underlines the risks: agencies like OSHA and EPA issue guidelines or restrictions for workplace exposure and environmental handling. For companies, compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it prevents accidents, lawsuits, and environmental harm, and demands routine staff training. Good labeling, accessible safety data sheets, and emergency procedures make a difference in safe usage.

Molecular Insights and Environmental Concerns

Chemists dissecting 1-Chlorohexane at the molecular level see potential and pitfalls. The carbon-chlorine bond resists some breakdown processes, which spells persistence in the environment if released carelessly. That factor raises questions about long-term degradation, especially if industries release residues into soil or water. Responsible companies deploy closed-loop systems and waste treatment protocols to prevent environmental release. Scientists monitoring contaminated sites test for chloroalkanes among other hazards, looking for clues in groundwater or industrial outflows. Increased focus on green chemistry prompts some researchers to look for safer, less persistent alternatives or develop targeted remediation strategies.

Looking Forward: Responsible Use and Better Practices

The production and use of chemicals like 1-Chlorohexane reflect broader trends in science, industry, and regulation. Experience shows that strong oversight, worker training, and transparent supply chains prevent most mishaps. The next step involves developing improved alternatives for applications where safety or environmental impact spark concern. Meanwhile, digital tracking of raw material batches, life-cycle assessments, and robust reporting offer transparency for regulators, businesses, and nearby communities. For those set on using 1-Chlorohexane, knowledge, planning, and discipline in every phase—from procurement and storage to transportation, use, and final disposal—keep both people and the environment safer, while allowing industries to push innovation without sidestepping responsibility.