Heptanoyl

Heptanoyl is the acyl group derived from heptanoic acid (also known as enanthic acid). As an acyl moiety, it is the fragment -CO- attached to a seven-carbon chain: CH3-(CH2)5-CO-. This arrangement gives a total of seven carbon atoms in the acyl fragment, with the hydrogens totaling 13 and the carbonyl oxygen present, giving the formula C7H13O for the acyl group.

Common synonyms for the same group include heptanoyl and enanthoyl. The corresponding carboxylic acid is heptanoic acid; derivatives containing the heptanoyl group are esters, amides, or acyl chlorides (for example, heptanoyl chloride).

Uses and properties: Heptanoyl groups are used as acyl donors in organic synthesis to form esters and amides after activation (as chlorides or anhydrides). The seven-carbon chain renders the group relatively nonpolar, and it participates in standard acyl-transfer reactions typical of carboxylic acid derivatives.

Preparation: Heptanoyl derivatives are prepared by converting heptanoic acid to an acyl chloride with reagents such as thionyl chloride (SOCl2) or oxalyl chloride, or by forming anhydrides. Subsequent reaction with alcohols or amines yields esters or amides.

Safety: Handling heptanoyl reagents requires standard laboratory precautions. Reagents like thionyl chloride are corrosive and release toxic gases; long-chain acyl derivatives are flammable and may be irritants.