14cyclohexanedione

14cyclohexanedione, commonly called 1,4-cyclohexanedione, is an organic diketone with the molecular formula C6H8O2. It consists of a cyclohexane ring bearing ketone groups at the 1 and 4 positions, giving a symmetric 1,4-diketone. The compound is a colorless to pale-yellow solid that is insoluble in water and soluble in many organic solvents such as acetone, dichloromethane, and ethanol.

Production and related compounds: It is used as a versatile building block in organic synthesis. Industrial routes include oxidation of cyclohexanediol or related precursors and dehydrogenation of saturated diols; various catalytic and oxidative methods have been described in the literature. Because of the reactive 1,4-dicarbonyl motif, it can be converted into a range of heterocycles and functionalized derivatives.

Reactions and applications: The diketone readily forms enolates under basic conditions and participates in condensations with hydrazines, alkylamines, or diamines to give heterocycles such as pyrazoles, pyridazines, and related fused rings. It also serves as a precursor to cyclic imides and as a scaffolding unit in medicinal chemistry and dye synthesis. In research settings, derivatives of 1,4-cyclohexanedione are used to study enolate chemistry and to construct libraries of heterocyclic compounds.

Safety: 1,4-Cyclohexanedione is an irritant and should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment. Avoid inhalation and contact with skin or eyes; use only in well-ventilated areas and store away from oxidizers.