1,10-Dichlorodecane: A Closer Look at its Journey, Features, and Future
Historical Development
1,10-Dichlorodecane started drawing attention from chemists exploring long-chain aliphatic halides in the early twentieth century, driven by the search for intermediates able to open new doors in organic synthesis. Decane frameworks with terminal chlorination unlocked fresh options for modifications in both research and industry. The early production routes relied on direct halogenation processes, often creating messy mixtures. Development led to better separation practices, with researchers learning from experience that even small impurities in decane chains could throw off further syntheses or end-use properties. The push for purer products followed closely behind the earliest discoveries, as reliability proved more valuable than raw novelty. From early lab work to scaled industrial syntheses, this compound’s story has often mirrored the bigger tale of fine-tuning chemical process control.
Product Overview
1,10-Dichlorodecane stands out as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, easy to handle in glass or steel containers but prone to release vapors if left uncovered, especially at higher temperatures. Commercially, it appears most in drums and bulk containers, ready for use as a chemical intermediate in synthesizing surfactants, polymers, and specialty coatings. Producers usually emphasize its high chemical purity and low water content, since traces of water can trigger side reactions later on. Chemists, engineers, and manufacturers all value a consistent product since downstream outcomes hinge on getting this right from the start. With increasing attention on sourcing and documentation, modern supply chains keep certificates of analysis close at hand.
Physical & Chemical Properties
This molecule’s structure—ten carbon atoms in a straight line, twin chlorines clinging to each end—offers both stability and reactivity. Boiling point crosses 255°C, so heating takes time and care. Density settles around 1.02 g/cm³, just enough to keep it apart from lighter hydrocarbons but still easier to pour than heavier halides. Solubility in water drops to almost zero. In most organic solvents, it mixes in without trouble. With tightly bonded terminal chlorines, it resists mild acids and bases, but strong organometallics and high heat can break bonds and steer the chemistry elsewhere. Vapor pressure stays low at room temperature, lessening escape risks during careful operation.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Quality control focuses on purity percentage, color, and trace contaminant levels like free chlorides, water, and related decyl compounds. Standard product labels show IUPAC chemical name, batch number, net weight, country of origin, and relevant hazard warnings. Producers run gas chromatography and sometimes NMR to check batch composition, ensuring off-spec units never reach end users. Hazard labels typically warn about flammability, skin and eye irritation, and environmental risks, all matching up with international GHS (Globally Harmonized System) standards. Transport follows UN guidance for hazardous goods, keeping emergency response numbers handy on each shipment.
Preparation Method
Most industrial routes now lean on controlled chlorination of decane at elevated temperatures, using carefully monitored chlorine gas with either ultraviolet light or catalytic initiators. Precise reaction times and temperatures guard against over-chlorination, which can dump in unwanted dichloro- or polychlorodecanes along the chain rather than at the ends. After initial synthesis, fractional distillation removes byproducts, yielding a cleaner final product. Sometimes early routes used more direct substitution methods, but these proved less efficient and more prone to waste. Modern setups favor closed systems to capture any free chlorine or volatile organics, stepping up both safety and environmental controls compared to earlier decades.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
The real value of 1,10-dichlorodecane lies in both its reactivity and its ability to serve as a backbone for more complex molecules. Those twin chlorines act as anchor points for further reactions, including nucleophilic substitution with amines or alkoxides—a path toward surfactants and specialty lubricants. Under strong reducing agents, the chlorines come off, returning the plain decane backbone. Old-timers in synthesis labs swap stories about creative attempts to ring-close the molecule, making medium-sized heterocycles in a single pot. Modern green chemistry efforts look for ways to replace hazardous reagents while keeping the versatility that made this compound a favorite among bench chemists for decades.
Synonyms & Product Names
Across catalogs and order sheets, 1,10-dichlorodecane takes on a few monikers—it sometimes appears as decamethylene dichloride, 1,10-dichloro-n-decane, or just dichlorodecane when context is clear. International suppliers occasionally place their own brand-marks or codes on the label, especially for batches bound for custom synthesis. Most labs stick to IUPAC standards, especially where confusion with shorter- or longer-chain analogs could bring mistakes. Labeling consistency has grown more important as global commerce increases the pool of suppliers.
Safety & Operational Standards
Handling 1,10-dichlorodecane safely means staying above basic standards. This isn’t a job for untrained hands or unfitted lab coats. Even though the liquid seems manageable, inhalation or skin absorption can bring both acute and longer-term health effects. Safety data sheets list gloves and eye protection as minimum requirements, and fume hoods remain the setting of choice. Emergency showers and eyewash stations should always stay in reach. For larger-scale operations, proper ventilation and gas monitoring systems knock down inhalation risks. Waste disposal rules insist on secure containment—no dumping down the drain or mix-ups with regular garbage. Some companies require extra training sessions every season, since rusty habits can lead to slip-ups.
Application Area
In practice, 1,10-dichlorodecane rarely sits on shelves for long. Chemical manufacturers use it as a key starting point when building specialty surfactants, some of which end up in everything from industrial cleaning to oil recovery. Polymer chemists count on it for connecting functional groups across long chains, tuning flexibility or reactivity. More recently, materials scientists have put it to work engineering new coatings with fine-tuned surface properties, because the decane backbone lets modifications hold up under rough conditions. Small-scale synthesis often includes steps using dichlorodecane to link pieces together with predictable spacing. The list continues to grow as new applications arise, often sparked by cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Research & Development
Chemists and engineers keep pushing for better processes, lower waste, and safer workplace conditions. Some focus on catalytic methods to cut down byproduct formation. Others zero in on lifecycle analyses, asking big-picture questions about carbon footprints and long-term environmental effects. Global laboratories publish routes for greener synthesis, including photochemical alternatives and new organometallic catalysts. Within academic circles, students and postdocs keep publishing findings on ways to plug new chemical handles onto the decane framework, often seeking structures that open the door to nanotechnology or electronic devices. The back-and-forth between industry and academia drives improvements, making steady progress possible.
Toxicity Research
1,10-dichlorodecane doesn’t show the acute toxicity of more reactive halides, but it poses chronic exposure risks, especially for those handling large volumes without proper protection. Animal studies indicate potential effects on liver and kidney function, though thresholds stay higher than for many smaller-chain analogs. Vapors can irritate the respiratory tract or eyes. Skin contact can bring both irritation and longer-term sensitization. Environmental studies warn against careless release, since halogenated organics stick around longer in soil and water. Efforts to gauge cumulative effects on aquatic life are underway, though standards continue to evolve as fresh results appear.
Future Prospects
Looking forward, the prospects for 1,10-dichlorodecane rest on both technical innovation and regulatory change. Greener synthesis methods may bring broader acceptance, while ongoing toxicology studies sharpen safety practices. New applications, especially in high-tech coatings and advanced polymers, promise to keep demand steady. What’s clear—no matter how long-legged its history, 1,10-dichlorodecane keeps showing up where creative minds push organic chemistry toward tomorrow’s discoveries.
Getting to Know 1,10-Dichlorodecane
1,10-Dichlorodecane doesn't grab headlines, but it does play a part in daily products, industry routines, and even some scientific research. This chemical slips quietly into the picture, mostly in labs and factories rather than your kitchen or garage. Based on my experience researching chemicals and their real-life impacts, it's impossible to ignore the surprising reach of a substance like this.
Uses in Chemical Manufacturing
This compound often shows up as a starting point or intermediate in the world of organic synthesis. Suppose a plant needs to attach something bulky to a carbon chain. That job calls for a long-chain dichloroalkane like 1,10-Dichlorodecane. It helps build bigger, more complicated molecules. Factories use it for custom engineering of specialty chemicals, from surfactants to lubricants. It's almost like a blank canvas for chemical reactions, giving chemists flexibility to branch off in different directions.
In my time talking with chemical engineers, I heard stories of solvents chosen after careful testing. 1,10-Dichlorodecane, because it's stable and non-reactive in many settings, often lands on that short list. Its ability to dissolve oily impurities means it works in purifying raw materials. Staff can count on it to help clean up process streams, reduce contamination, and improve finished product quality. It’s not glamorous work, but without these background chemicals, modern industry would move slower and cost more.
Role in Materials Science
Polymers and plastics research also calls for oddball chain molecules. When inventing or modifying polymers, researchers often try out different spacers between polymer units. Adding something like 1,10-Dichlorodecane allows custom tailoring of plastic properties—things like flexibility, melting point, or chemical resistance. You won’t find it in finished toys or water bottles, but it does help design new plastics that might appear in medical gear or specialty coatings.
Fire Science & Heat Transfer
In my digging, I learned that chlorinated hydrocarbons such as 1,10-Dichlorodecane sometimes show up in fire resistance testing. These compounds find their way into test mixes that simulate real-world fuel or chemical spills. The goal is safer facilities, improved emergency response, and fewer surprises in hazardous situations. In controlled lab work, technicians might use 1,10-Dichlorodecane to recreate certain conditions or test new materials for resilience under stress. While risks exist if chemicals go astray, safety protocols and personal protective equipment keep workers shielded during hands-on work.
Environmental and Health Considerations
With any chlorinated solvent, the story always circles back to safety. My conversations with environmental health experts stress that disposal and handling rules aren't just formalities—leaks or accidental exposure create big headaches. Chlorinated compounds linger in soil and water much longer than most people realize. Workplaces need strong management plans to keep these chemicals out of drains, off skin, and away from food and water supplies. Smart organizations prioritize regular training, spill kits, and thorough air monitoring to catch risks long before anyone gets sick.
Where to Go from Here
People usually don’t notice chemicals like 1,10-Dichlorodecane. That’s usually by design. Only when systems break down—spills, fires, improper disposal—does this compound capture attention. Strong oversight, up-to-date research, and honest communication between scientists, regulators, and manufacturing staff go a long way. Investment in greener alternatives or tighter recycling helps keep these specialty chemicals useful but less risky to workers and communities. Knowledge, care, and technology working together let us benefit from chemistry—without repeating the mistakes of the past.
Chemical Structure and Formula
Let’s take a look at 1,10-Dichlorodecane. You get a molecule with a backbone of ten carbon atoms—your typical alkane chain. At each end sits a chlorine atom, attached tightly to both the first and tenth carbons. Count ‘em up: ten carbons, twenty hydrogens, and two chlorines. That makes the formula C10H20Cl2. This structure pops up in organic synthesis and industrial chemistry; it’s a good building block and sometimes a sneaky intermediate in reactions you’d find in a research lab.
Experience With Handling and Safety
Back in grad school, I once helped a friend run a phase-transfer catalysis experiment. We came across a bottle of 1,10-Dichlorodecane and needed a refresher on hazards before breaking the seal. Chlorinated hydrocarbons remind you to work smart—eye protection, gloves, and a well-ventilated hood. These chemicals can irritate your skin and lungs or worse if ignored. Reading MSDS sheets isn’t just bureaucracy; it can keep you out of the doctor’s office. Treating seemingly “boring” alkanes and their derivatives with care in the lab builds safe habits that stick much longer than just following class rules for a test.
Why This Matters: Real-World Relevance
1,10-Dichlorodecane crops up in specialty syntheses and pops into some polymer chemistry protocols. Some researchers use it to build something bigger—like prepping materials where precise placement of chlorine on a chain gives the final product unique properties. Often, it’s a stepping-stone to larger custom molecules, including certain surfactants or lubricants with specific “designer” backbones. If you work in a field where chemicals like this show up, one skipped detail can scramble a whole project or create an unsafe mess that ripples beyond the lab.
Concerns and Solutions: Safety and Environmental Impact
As chlorinated compounds pile up in labs and industry, disposal habits matter. Negligent dumping or treatment brings real consequences. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, especially, don’t break down quickly. They stick around in soil and water, and misuse can quietly endanger wildlife and people. Strong chemical hygiene and choosing greener alternatives where possible help reduce the risk. Some companies and universities build in green chemistry approaches—replacing harsh chlorinated intermediates or tweaking reaction conditions to be less polluting. In my own experience, mentorship from a vigilant safety officer or an engaged professor often influences good storage and disposal, even more than reading a posted policy.
Building Strong Chemical Literacy
Knowledge about molecules like 1,10-Dichlorodecane belongs not only to chemists and industry workers. If more people know what’s in a chemical, how to store or get rid of it safely, and why the structure matters, the discipline becomes less of a mystery and more accessible. Schools and workplaces that encourage chemical literacy turn out better thinkers and safer teams. You don’t need to memorize every oddball formula, but a healthy respect for the chain—carbon, hydrogen, chlorine—makes for fewer headaches and accidents, and better science for everybody.
Getting to Know the Chemical
Stepping into a lab or chemical plant, folks run into hundreds of substances that all come with their own set of risks. 1,10-Dichlorodecane slips under the radar for most people outside those circles. It’s a chlorinated hydrocarbon—ten carbons long, with a chlorine atom sitting at each end. This structure gives it certain physical properties that pull in chemists needing a specialty solvent or an intermediate for other syntheses.
What Research Says About Safety
Most folks flipping through safety data sheets spot plenty of warnings. For 1,10-Dichlorodecane, eyes and skin feel irritation after contact. Accidental inhalation or swallowing tends to upset the respiratory or digestive tract. My own time with solvents like this means gloves and goggles become second nature—not just personal superstition, but the result of skin irritation after one too many careless spill days in early grad school. Not every chlorinated aliphatic compound causes mayhem, but enough do to merit caution.
Toxic effects depend on more than pure presence; they hinge on how much gets out, how often a person interacts with it, and if anyone already faces health challenges. Nobody seems eager to drink or bathe in the stuff, but poorly controlled use means leaks, splashes, or exposure to vapors are possible. The European Chemicals Agency highlights careful handling, noting the lack of long-term toxicity or clear evidence for carcinogenicity—yet they still keep it on their watchlist for good reason. Animal studies haven’t covered every concern. A few older reports hint at liver effects with high doses. That’s no real comfort in workplaces where repeated, low-level exposures sneak in.
Environmental Impact and Broader Risks
Runoff and spills don’t just fade away. Chlorinated organics float into waterways and soil, breaking down slowly. Unlike ethanol or acetone, these molecules take their time to decompose. I’ve seen what happens after chemical plants in small towns lose track of their waste: groundwater ends up tainted, neighbors worry about what’s in the well, and cleanup costs spiral. No one wants a repeat by ignoring a compound like this.
Current Handling Practices
Most labs and factories working with 1,10-Dichlorodecane put up warning signs, use local exhaust systems, and keep tight storage rules. They break open drums with proper gear, keep an eye on airborne levels, and enforce glove rules. I spent years reinforcing habits—don’t trust bare skin, don’t breathe fumes, wash up before lunch. It sounds simple, but those routines save a lot of trouble, especially with solvents that don’t always give off a strong smell or obvious warning signs.
What Actually Helps
Beyond standard protocols, regular training goes further. Seeing how someone else slips up, or handling small leaks without panic, teaches more than handouts. Companies build better habits by letting workers explain their own hacks for safer use. Share what works between teams—don’t just print off generic rules. Engineering controls—like proper ventilation—deserve more respect than the paperwork that comes with them. I’ve seen a good fan save more lungs than a fresh binder of rules every time.
On the broader front, stricter monitoring of waste and recycling helps. If regulators want to cut down on contamination, real-world spot checks and incentives to reclaim solvents make a dent. Too many stories circle about companies skipping steps and paying later through fines or cleanups.
Looking Ahead
While 1,10-Dichlorodecane won’t headline evening news, it serves as a reminder that “obscure” doesn’t mean “harmless.” Everyone from scientists to plant operators benefits from direct experience shared openly—close calls told honestly, and hard lessons written into protocols and training, not just tucked away in dusty manuals.
Why Safe Storage Matters
Storing chemicals like 1,10-Dichlorodecane isn’t just about following some rules on paper. It’s about keeping people and places safe, especially since this liquid comes with its own set of hazards. I’ve worked around chemicals long enough to know that taking shortcuts never pays off. Just a little carelessness can mean the difference between a clean workspace and a dangerous cleanup job.
Basic Physical Properties
1,10-Dichlorodecane looks clear and behaves like most organic solvents. It has a mild smell, doesn’t mix with water, and can catch fire if handled wrong. You might run across it in research labs or in certain industrial settings, not out on the store shelves. Recognizing how volatile it is, and its risk of fire, leads the way in setting up a proper storage area.
Temperature and Ventilation
Keep this liquid in a cool place, away from heat sources or open flames. Even strong sunlight can nudge up the temperature and raise the risk. Chemicals like 1,10-Dichlorodecane give off fumes that shouldn’t linger in the air. Good ventilation pulls those vapors out, keeping the air cleaner and people breathing easier. Sticking the drum or bottle in a basic storeroom without airflow invites trouble. I’ve watched labs try to save space by squeezing bottles together, and you always see rising headaches and irritations come along fast.
Container Choice
Sealed, chemical-resistant containers are a must. Glass works, but it’s easy to break. High-quality plastics, marked for chemical storage, stand up to leaks and bumps. Always double-check the seals. Nothing fancy—just tight lids, no cracks, and clear labels. I’ve seen too many corners cut with leftover soda bottles and zip ties, but these never hold up and can spell disaster if fumes eat through or spills happen.
Safe Placement and Isolation
Storing 1,10-Dichlorodecane near oxidizing agents or acids opens the door for reactions that no one wants in a confined space. Dedicated chemical cabinets with enough distance between incompatible substances cut down risks. Dedicated labeling and storage logs keep staff from making mix-ups. Anyone handling chemicals should have easy access to safety data sheets, right on the door or close by. Everyone needs to know what’s inside without guessing.
Spill Preparedness
No storage plan works without spill kits on hand. These ought to include absorbent material, gloves, goggles, and a clear plan posted in plain sight. In an emergency, the faster you act, the better. Staff training beats any written policy—everyone handling 1,10-Dichlorodecane should run through a spill drill now and then. Mop up any spilled liquid straight away, and store cleanup waste in a separate, marked container for hazardous disposal.
Personal Protective Equipment and Handling
Whenever you handle or move containers, gloves resistant to organic solvents and chemical splash goggles come first. Lab coats or aprons keep splashes off skin and clothes. I always kept nitrile gloves handy, because they resist degradation. Don’t skip the basics. Transfer liquids with pumps or funnels designed for chemicals, never by pouring by hand. Slippery glass or sweaty hands mix badly with chemicals that cause health headaches.
Regulations and Records
Follow local rules for chemical storage and disposal. Keep detailed logs of what comes in and goes out. Inspect storage areas monthly and fix small issues right then. Regular checks catch slow leaks, corroded caps, and missing labels before they put people at risk. Trust builds up when co-workers know that every bottle’s accounted for and cared for the right way. It keeps the work environment safe for everyone, every day.
Understanding the Boiling Point
You might think the boiling point of a chemical like 1,10-dichlorodecane belongs strictly in textbooks and lab manuals. In reality, this number—around 320°C—shows up in lots of practical decisions. It’s not some trivial fact for a quiz night; it guides choices for both safety and performance every day. I’ve watched engineers size up heat exchangers or pick safer storage setups after considering it.
Why Accuracy Matters
A lab might run into real trouble if they misjudge where a molecule like this turns from liquid to vapor. If you heat it wrong, you risk pressure spikes, dangerous vapors, or even a runaway process. I’ve seen teams double-check reference data before scaling up a reaction, pausing to confirm the boiling point through multiple sources—chemical handbooks, supplier datasheets, and academic papers. Relying on just one has backfired before, leading to expensive delays and wasted material.
Role in Industry
Industrial users don’t just care about where 1,10-dichlorodecane boils because of technical curiosity. A boiling point over 300°C tells you this molecule suits processes involving high temperatures and low volatility, such as in specialty lubricants or certain types of thermal fluids. Say you want a solvent that won’t burn off quickly during a multi-step purification, you look for something like this.
Regulations keep getting tighter for workplace safety and emissions, and knowing the boiling point plays into how companies handle chemicals. Storage facilities may include extra cooling systems or pressure-relief valves once they realize a chemical boils at this high temperature. I remember working with a factory that, after a boilover from a lesser-known compound, rewrote their handling procedures to put boiling point data front and center in their process documentation.
Scientific and Environmental Importance
Boiling points point to more than just thermal stability; they tell a story about chemical structure. With 1,10-dichlorodecane, those two chlorine atoms at opposite ends increase its boiling point compared to plain decane, mainly through stronger intermolecular forces. Scientists use this kind of data to predict environmental fate—will this chemical evaporate easily, travel in the atmosphere, or persist in soil? One study from the journal Environmental Science & Technology explained how boiling and vapor pressures inform models of chemical migration. Agencies tap into boiling point numbers when building hazardous material lists and emergency response guides.
People working with chemicals every day often carry a mental list of boiling points, not because they love trivia, but because too many problems crop up when you ignore them. Workers in fire safety or waste management know a high-boiling chlorinated hydrocarbon might call for different cleanup tactics than a lighter, more volatile cousin.
Solutions for Safer Use
Training stands out as the strongest move to keep things safe around chemicals like 1,10-dichlorodecane. Technical schools and universities can help by teaching chemists and operators to look up and double-check key properties as standard practice. Digital solutions also help—updated online databases avoid the outdated information that caused headaches before. Portable sensors let workers monitor temperatures accurately on-site, catching runaway heating before it turns risky.
Clear labeling in storage and transfer areas, including boiling point data, makes a difference for everyone on the ground checking drums or valves. These steps keep small errors from becoming big incidents. Experience shows that learning the details, including boiling points, helps people make smarter choices every step of the way.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,10-dichlorodecane |
| Other names |
Decamethylene chloride
Dichlorodecane Decane, 1,10-dichloro- NSC 12480 |
| Pronunciation | /ˈwʌn, tɛn daɪˈklɔːrəˌdiːkeɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 2162-98-3 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCCCCCCCClCl` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1643066 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:78289 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL514835 |
| ChemSpider | 58344 |
| DrugBank | DB16583 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e21826-473e-4056-a582-5248446b3b45 |
| EC Number | 203-851-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82841 |
| KEGG | C14389 |
| MeSH | Dichlorodecanes |
| PubChem CID | 12516 |
| RTECS number | JR0175000 |
| UNII | 22FL3P10ED |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | CXT40186SK |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H20Cl2 |
| Molar mass | 227.17 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.96 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 5.97 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.015 mmHg (25 °C) |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -0.000104 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4680 |
| Viscosity | 3.369 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.01 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 561.9 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -236.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6532.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P264, P271, P280, P301+P310, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P363, P370+P378, P403+P235, P405, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1,10-Dichlorodecane NFPA 704: 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | '113 °C (235 °F; 386 K) - closed cup' |
| Autoignition temperature | 243 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): > 5000 mg/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | No OSHA PEL established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,10-Dibromodecane
1,10-Diiododecane 1,10-Difluorodecane 1,10-Decanediol 1,10-Diaminodecane |
