Docosane

Docosane, also known as n-docosane, is a straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula \( C_{22}H_{46} \). It is characterized by having 22 carbon atoms and is a type of saturated hydrocarbon[1][6][7]. The molecular weight of docosane is approximately 310.6 g/mol[2][10][11].

Physical and Chemical Properties

Docosane appears as a colorless crystalline solid[2]. It has a melting point range of 42-45 °C and a boiling point of approximately 369 °C[2]. The density of docosane is about 0.778 g/mL at 25 °C, and it has a vapor density of 10.8 (relative to air)[2]. Docosane is insoluble in water but soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents such as benzene and toluene[2][5].

Applications and Uses

Docosane is utilized in various industrial and scientific applications due to its chemical stability and physical properties. It is employed as a perfuming agent in the cosmetics industry and is also used in organic synthesis, calibration, and temperature sensing equipment[2][5]. Additionally, docosane is used in the investigation of commercially available waxes as possible diffraction intensity standards for macromolecular crystallography synchrotron beamlines[2].

Safety and Handling

Docosane is generally stable but combustible, and it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents[2][9]. It should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed container, away from oxidizing agents[2][5]. In terms of safety measures, it is recommended to handle docosane with appropriate protective clothing and respiratory equipment to avoid inhalation or direct contact with the skin[9].

Environmental and Biological Aspects

Docosane is a hydrophobic molecule, making it practically insoluble in water and relatively neutral[3][8]. It is found in various natural sources, including essential oils from plants and is detected in foods such as lemon balms, allspices, lindens, papaya, and sunflowers[3][8]. This presence in diverse biological and environmental systems suggests that docosane could serve as a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods[3][8].

Summary

Docosane is a versatile alkane used in various applications from perfuming to scientific research. Its stability, insolubility in water, and solubility in organic solvents make it suitable for a wide range of industrial and laboratory settings. Proper handling and storage are essential due to its combustible nature and incompatibility with oxidizing agents.

Citations:

[1] https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/docosane

[2] https://www.chemicalbook.com/ChemicalProductProperty_EN_CB0771076.htm

[3] https://foodb.ca/compounds/FDB004725

[4] https://www.chemeo.com/cid/25-097-7/Docosane

[5] https://www.fishersci.no/shop/products/n-docosane-99-thermo-scientific-1/11409196

[6] https://www.yourdictionary.com/docosane

[7] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/docosane

[8] https://hmdb.ca/metabolites/HMDB0061865

[9] https://cameochemicals.noaa.gov/chemical/20319

[10] http://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.11899.html

[11] https://webbook.nist.gov/cgi/cbook.cgi?ID=C629970&Mask=FFF%2F1000

[12] https://www.medchemexpress.com/docosane.html

[13] https://www.ebi.ac.uk/chebi/searchId.do?chebiId=CHEBI%3A46050

[14] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/docosane

[15] http://www.thegoodscentscompany.com/data/rw1242091.html

[16] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/12405

[17] https://www.emdmillipore.com/us/en/product/docosane,mda_chem-822046

[18] https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Docosane

[19] https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docosane

[20] https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/US/en/product/aldrich/134457