13heptanediol

13-heptanediol is a chemical compound with the molecular formula C17H36O2. It is an organic molecule that belongs to the diol class, meaning it contains two hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups. The "13" in its name indicates the positions of these hydroxyl groups along the carbon chain. The "heptane" portion refers to the seventeen-carbon saturated hydrocarbon backbone. Specifically, it is a straight-chain alkane with hydroxyl groups attached to the first and third carbon atoms.

The physical and chemical properties of 13-heptanediol are influenced by the presence of the hydroxyl groups. These groups make the molecule more polar than a simple hydrocarbon of similar length, leading to increased solubility in polar solvents such as water and alcohols. They also allow for hydrogen bonding, which can affect its melting point, boiling point, and viscosity. As a diol, it can participate in various chemical reactions characteristic of alcohols, including esterification, etherification, and oxidation. Due to its relatively long carbon chain, it is likely to be a viscous liquid or a waxy solid at room temperature. Applications for such long-chain diols can include use as plasticizers, lubricants, or as intermediates in the synthesis of polymers and surfactants.