Dodekyyliryhmä

Dodekyyliryhmä, also known as a lauryl group, is a straight-chain alkyl radical with the chemical formula C12H25. It is derived from dodecane, a saturated hydrocarbon. The dodecyl group consists of twelve carbon atoms linked by single bonds, with each interior carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and the two terminal carbon atoms bonded to three hydrogen atoms. This structure gives the dodecyl group a nonpolar and hydrophobic character.

In chemistry, the dodecyl group is often found as a substituent in larger molecules. Its presence significantly influences the physical and chemical properties of these molecules. For instance, the long hydrocarbon chain increases the lipophilicity, or fat-solubility, of a compound. This property is important in surfactants, where the dodecyl group forms the hydrophobic tail that interacts with oils and greases, while a hydrophilic head interacts with water, enabling cleaning action.

Dodecyl-containing compounds find applications in various industries. They are common in detergents, soaps, emulsifiers, and lubricants. The dodecyl chain's length provides a balance between solubility in organic solvents and interaction with aqueous phases, making it a versatile building block for functional molecules. Examples include dodecyl sulfate, a widely used surfactant, and dodecanol, an alcohol that can be used in the synthesis of esters and ethers. The physical state of dodecyl-containing compounds can vary, but many are liquids or waxy solids at room temperature due to the long alkyl chain.