S2chlorohexane

2-Chlorohexane is an organochlorine compound with the chemical formula C6H13Cl. It is a colorless liquid at room temperature. As a haloalkane, it features a hexane backbone with a chlorine atom substituted at the second carbon position. Its structure can be represented as CH3CHClCH2CH2CH2CH3. It is a secondary alkyl halide, meaning the carbon atom bonded to the chlorine is attached to two other carbon atoms.

2-Chlorohexane can be synthesized through various methods, including the free-radical chlorination of hexane, although this method typically produces a mixture of isomers. A more selective approach involves the reaction of 2-hexanol with a chlorinating agent such as thionyl chloride or phosphorus trichloride.

This compound participates in typical reactions of secondary alkyl halides, such as nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions. For instance, it can react with strong bases to undergo dehydrohalogenation, forming hexenes. It can also undergo SN1 and SN2 reactions with various nucleophiles. 2-Chlorohexane has limited industrial applications and is primarily used in laboratory settings for research and synthesis. Its environmental impact and toxicity are characteristic of many chlorinated hydrocarbons, necessitating careful handling and disposal.