CH3CH27OH

CH3CH27OH, more commonly known as 1-octanol or n-octanol, is an eight-carbon straight-chain alcohol. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic floral or citrus-like odor. Its chemical formula indicates that it possesses a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the first carbon atom of an eight-carbon chain. This structure classifies it as a primary alcohol.

1-octanol is an amphipathic molecule, meaning it has both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties due to the presence of the polar hydroxyl group and the long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain. This dual nature makes it useful in a variety of applications.

Industrially, 1-octanol is produced through the oxo process, where heptene is reacted with carbon monoxide and hydrogen. It is also found naturally in some essential oils and fruits. Its primary uses include acting as a solvent, particularly for oils, waxes, and resins. It is also employed as a precursor in the synthesis of plasticizers, surfactants, and fragrances. In laboratory settings, it is frequently used as a standard for determining the octanol-water partition coefficient, a measure of a chemical's lipophilicity.