1octadecene

1-Octadecene, or octadec-1-ene, is an unsaturated hydrocarbon in the alkene family. Its molecular formula is C18H36 and it features a terminal double bond at carbon 1, giving the structure CH2=CH-(CH2)15-CH3. At room temperature it is a colorless to pale-yellow, nonpolar liquid with low water solubility and a relatively high boiling point compared with shorter alkenes. Like other terminal alkenes, it undergoes typical addition reactions such as hydrogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydroboration-oxidation, and various polymerization processes under appropriate catalysts.

Production and availability often arise from petrochemical feedstocks. Commercial routes include dehydrogenation of 1-octadecanol or other long-chain alcohols, as well as selective separation of terminal olefins obtained from waxes or crude oil fractions. The result is a purified, relatively pure terminal alkene used as a chemical building block.

Applications and uses are primarily in organic synthesis and materials chemistry. 1-Octadecene serves as a nonpolar solvent for hydrophobic substrates and as an intermediate in the preparation of longer-chain olefins, waxes, surfactants, and lubricants. It also finds use as a starting material for surface modification chemistries and for introducing long hydrophobic chains in polymer and silicone formulations through various addition and coupling reactions.

Safety and handling considerations include its flammability and the potential for inhalation or skin/eye irritation. Vapors should be managed in well-ventilated areas with appropriate personal protective equipment, and it should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames. It is not water-soluble and should be stored in tightly sealed containers.