13cyclooctadiene

1,3-Cyclooctadiene is a cyclic organic compound with the chemical formula C8H12. It is a colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. As its name suggests, it is an eight-membered ring containing two double bonds. The positions of these double bonds are specified by the "1,3-" prefix, indicating they are located between the first and second carbon atoms and the third and fourth carbon atoms of the ring.

There are several isomers of cyclooctadiene, differing in the relative positions of the double bonds. 1,3-Cyclooctadiene is one such isomer. It is often encountered as a mixture with other isomers like 1,4-cyclooctadiene and 1,5-cyclooctadiene, depending on the synthesis method.

This compound can be synthesized through various organic reactions. A common route involves the cyclodimerization of butadiene. It can also be prepared from other cyclooctane derivatives.

1,3-Cyclooctadiene finds applications primarily as a ligand in organometallic chemistry. Its conjugated double bond system allows it to coordinate with transition metals, forming stable complexes. These complexes can serve as catalysts in various organic transformations, such as polymerization reactions and hydrogenation. Due to its reactivity, it is generally handled with care in laboratory settings.