Cycloheptanol

Cycloheptanol, also known as cycloheptan-1-ol, is an organic compound in the cycloalkanol family. Its structure features a seven-membered saturated ring bearing a single hydroxyl substituent, making it a secondary alcohol. The molecular formula is C7H14O and its molecular weight is about 114.2 g/mol.

At room temperature it is typically a colorless liquid. It has limited solubility in water but dissolves readily in many organic solvents. It is flammable and should be handled with appropriate safety precautions. The compound can exist as a mixture of conformers due to the flexibility of the seven-membered ring.

Industrial preparation commonly involves the hydration of cycloheptene in the presence of an acid catalyst, which converts the alkene to the corresponding alcohol. It can also be prepared by the selective reduction of cycloheptanone using hydride reagents such as lithium aluminum hydride or sodium borohydride.

Cycloheptanol undergoes typical alcohol chemistry. Oxidation of the secondary alcohol yields cycloheptanone. Dehydration under acidic conditions gives cycloheptene. It can form esters with carboxylic acids or acyl chlorides, and it serves as a versatile precursor for further transformations in organic synthesis.

Applications include use as an intermediate in the preparation of fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, as well as a building block in various synthetic routes. Its role is mainly that of a starting material or intermediate rather than a standalone commodity chemical.

Safety and handling follow standard protocols for flammable, irritant alcohols. Adequate ventilation, avoidance of ignition sources, and the use of protective equipment are recommended.