octanolin

Octanolin is described in this article as a hypothetical eight-carbon aliphatic alcohol. It is treated here as a fictional compound used for educational illustration and is not known to exist as a commercially produced chemical in the real world. In this context, octanolin is a colorless, viscous liquid with typical alcohol-like polarity conferred by a single hydroxyl functional group.

Chemical class and structure: As an eight-carbon alcohol, octanolin would belong to the longer-chain primary alcohols. The hydroxyl group enables hydrogen bonding, influencing its solubility and boiling behavior; in general, such compounds show limited water solubility and higher boiling points relative to shorter alcohols.

Properties: Octanolin is described as having a moderate to high boiling point, low vapor pressure at room temperature, and solubility in many organic solvents. It is typically colorless and has an odor consistent with long-chain alcohols, varying with impurities.

Synthesis and reactions: In this fictional framework, octanolin could be produced by partial oxidation of an octane derivative followed by selective reduction, or via hydroformylation of a long-chain alkene with subsequent hydrogenation. As an alcohol, it participates in esterification, ether formation, and oxidation to corresponding aldehydes or acids under standard laboratory conditions.

Applications: In illustrative contexts, octanolin serves as a solvent for nonpolar to moderately polar substances, a component in fragrance research, and a model compound to demonstrate solvent polarity, phase behavior, and reaction mechanisms in teaching laboratories.

Safety: Like other long-chain alcohols, octanolin is presumed flammable and may irritate skin and eyes. It should be handled with appropriate PPE, stored away from heat sources, and used in well-ventilated areas.