1Dodecene

1-Dodecene, also known as dodec-1-ene, is an organic hydrocarbon in the class of alkenes. It has twelve carbon atoms and the molecular formula C12H24. The double bond is at the first carbon, giving a terminal or alpha-olefin structure that is CH2=CH-(CH2)9-CH3. Because one carbon of the double bond bears two hydrogens, 1-dodecene does not exhibit E/Z stereoisomerism.

As a linear alpha-olefin, 1-dodecene is a reactive building block used in various industrial applications. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of surfactants, notably by alkylating benzene to produce dodecylbenzene, which can be sulfonated to form linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) used in detergents. It is also employed as a comonomer in the production of polyolefins, contributing to the formation of branched or modified polymers through controlled copolymerization. In addition, it can undergo standard alkene transformations such as hydrogenation to dodecane or hydroformylation to longer-chain aldehydes, which can be converted to alcohols or acids.

Physically, 1-dodecene is a colorless or faintly colored liquid that is largely nonpolar and sparingly soluble in water. It is more soluble in organic solvents and has a relatively high boiling point compared with many low-mass hydrocarbons. It is flammable and should be handled with appropriate precautions in a well-ventilated area, stored away from heat or ignition sources, and kept in tightly closed containers.

See also: alpha-olefins, linear alpha-olefins, alkylbenzenes.