1-Chlorodecane: A Deep Dive into an Unassuming Chemical
Historical Development
Scientists first worked with chlorinated alkanes like 1-chlorodecane not for fame, but for practical reasons. The pursuit of better synthetic building blocks pushed explorers into coal tar distillation, cracking petroleum, and experimenting with halogenation. Chemists started tackling long-chain alkyl halides soon after pioneers learned the trick of swapping hydrogens for chlorine on the carbon backbone. 1-Chlorodecane stepped into view in the mid-twentieth century, shaped by commercial interests—from making surfactants in the detergent boom, to seeking stable solvents during wartime. People needed new ways to manipulate organic molecules, so this compound picked up steam as researchers discovered its usefulness both on the lab bench and in factories.
Product Overview
1-Chlorodecane lands on the market as a clear liquid with a faint, sweet odor. As a type of primary alkyl chloride, it often attracts the attention of those in specialty organic synthesis, especially where long hydrophobic tails are required. Chemical suppliers sell it with purity standards that match the demands of fine chemical production, quality control processes often verify its chain length and absence of branched isomers. This is not a household product—1-chlorodecane mainly occupies industrial warehouses and the storerooms of research labs. Most bottles carry a warning, not for pungency but for potential toxicity and reactivity, something that keeps it away from food and personal care uses.
Physical & Chemical Properties
At room temperature, 1-chlorodecane remains a slippery, colorless liquid. Its molecular formula, C10H21Cl, gives a molar mass around 176.73 grams per mole. It doesn’t dissolve in water, but mixes well with organic solvents like ether or chloroform. The boiling point stretches past 220°C, which helps during distillation or separation from shorter-chain relatives. The density hovers near 0.87 g/cm³, and the refractive index sits above 1.44, telling glassblowers and technicians what to expect during handling. Chlorine’s presence at the edge of this long hydrocarbon chain tweaks both the chemical’s reactivity and its environmental fate, often raising questions about persistence and potential bioaccumulation.
Technical Specifications & Labeling
Manufacturers ship 1-chlorodecane in tight-sealed amber bottles or steel containers marked with the relevant hazard symbols. Labeling needs to cover UN number, proper shipping name, risk phrases about irritation or flammability, and relevant signal words based on global harmonized system (GHS) standards. Suppliers provide Certificates of Analysis documenting purity—often above 98%—water content, GC trace, and sometimes color grade. Labels usually include batch numbers, expiry dates, and details for traceability, supporting documentation if a problem or contamination emerges.
Preparation Method
Large-scale producers usually synthesize 1-chlorodecane by direct chlorination of decane or by substitution reactions where sodium chloride reacts with decanol using strong acid or suitable phase-transfer catalysts. Free-radical chlorination may give mixtures of isomers, so labs often prefer nucleophilic substitution, choosing primary decanol to minimize branching. The preparation needs careful temperature control and sometimes drying with molecular sieves. After reaction, extensive washing, drying, and fractional distillation step in to remove by-products and leftover starting materials. Experience shows that small processing mistakes—like excess water—can crash yields or introduce complications, so attention to detail matters.
Chemical Reactions & Modifications
Chemists pick 1-chlorodecane for its reactive alpha-carbon. The chlorine atom stands ready to leave when nucleophiles come calling, so reactions like the Williamson ether synthesis use this molecule as an alkylating agent. Nucleophilic substitution opens the door to introducing everything from amines to phosphines, and Grignard reagents can turn it into complex alcohols. Oxidation reactions on the chain or terminal functional group sometimes reveal novel surfactants or intermediates for pharmaceuticals. Organometallic chemistry around this compound can rapidly change the landscape, with each tweak expanding possible derivatives for lubricant additives or advanced monomers.
Synonyms & Product Names
Publications and catalogs may list 1-chlorodecane under several other names: decyl chloride, n-decyl chloride, or 1-chlorodecyl. Suppliers sometimes group it with other haloalkanes, and bulk shipments might reference it with trade abbreviations like CDC or product codes reflecting lot and manufacturer. Any researcher working with chain-length-specific syntheses soon learns to check the key position for the chlorine atom—switching to a secondary or tertiary variant like 2-chlorodecane drastically changes both properties and reactivity.
Safety & Operational Standards
Workplaces handling 1-chlorodecane must train staff on splash hazards and inhalation risks. This compound can trigger skin and eye irritation, and inhalation of vapors over long periods may lead to respiratory issues. Some jurisdictions classify it as a possible environmental hazard due to persistence and bioaccumulation potential, so disposal routes exclude regular drains or trash bins. Chemical storage guidelines prescribe cool, dry, well-ventilated locations away from heat and sources of ignition. Personal protective equipment needs to cover eyes, hands, and sometimes full-face protection if splashes or fumes are likely. Emergency response plans and spill kits support safe operation, especially in facilities working with multi-liter batches or continuous reactors.
Application Area
Several industries lean on 1-chlorodecane for niche processes. Surface chemistry applications include using it as a phase-transfer catalyst or component in surfactant manufacture. Some research groups explore its value as a model compound for studying reaction mechanisms involving long-chain alkyl halides. Production of specialty lubricants or fine organic intermediates sometimes calls for chlorinated decanes with defined purity and reactivity. Material scientists preparing tailored polymers or coatings may choose this compound to introduce hydrophobicity or chain length control. In environmental chemistry, researchers use it to calibrate analytic techniques or sharpen their understanding of long-chain chlorinated pollutant breakdown.
Research & Development
Recent years have brought new routes for cleaner and more selective synthesis, with catalysts designed to reduce by-product formation or avoid harsh reagents. Green chemistry approaches trim environmental impact by lowering energy inputs, recycling solvents, or streaming processes that minimize emissions. Academics focus on expanding reaction toolkits for primary alkyl chlorides, pushing toward safer, faster, and cheaper pathways—often with data-heavy support like real-time spectrometry or automated purification. Environmental fate studies fill journals as scientists track degradation products and map pathways from chemistry lab to river delta. This feedback loop between academic understanding and industrial need solidifies the place of 1-chlorodecane as a tool in the chemist’s kit.
Toxicity Research
Studies on 1-chlorodecane’s toxicity highlight concerns about chronic exposure and environmental persistence. Laboratory testing points to moderate acute toxicity, mostly from solvent action on skin membranes and mucosa, but the longer-term effects trouble regulators more. Its ability to bioaccumulate inside aquatic organisms raises red flags. Animal studies suggest slow excretion and tendency for chain chlorinated alkanes to impact reproductive endpoints at high doses. Regulatory agencies, keeping a close eye on these findings, sometimes impose stricter limits for workplace air concentrations and enforce spill response steps that rest on sound toxicological data. Checking Safety Data Sheets and consulting up-to-date regulatory guidance forms the backbone of responsible handling.
Future Prospects
Future developments focus on cleaner synthesis, better waste management, and new applications in advanced materials. Awareness of health and ecological risks spurs investment in containment, greener substitutions, and design of derivatives with lower persistence. Some companies experiment with biocatalysts that offer milder chlorination without harsh by-products. Automation and real-time analytics promise tighter quality control and faster route scouting. If policy shifts or stricter regulation curb the use of chlorinated hydrocarbons, next-generation alternatives will need to match both reactivity and performance without the same baggage. Interdisciplinary projects linking environmental chemistry, toxicology, and synthetic method development have the potential to reshape the narrative around 1-chlorodecane, shifting it from bulk chemical to thoughtfully managed specialty ingredient.
Exploring a Less-Known Industrial Chemical
Spend enough time around chemical supply warehouses, and you start noticing certain bottles always hiding on the lower shelves. 1-Chlorodecane is one of those bottles. At a glance, it looks like another clear liquid, but its uses stretch into several industries in ways that often go unnoticed by the general public.
Solvent and Intermediate: The Guts of Many Processes
One of the main jobs for 1-Chlorodecane is serving as an intermediate in the synthesis of other chemicals, especially within organic chemistry and related manufacturing. In these facilities, every reaction step counts, and 1-Chlorodecane brings in a single chlorine atom attached to a ten-carbon chain, making it useful for producing surfactants, specialty lubricants, and pharmaceuticals. Nobody promotes it as a star ingredient on a medicine bottle, yet it quietly supports steps that build active molecules.
I’ve seen small specialty factories where technicians pull out drums of 1-Chlorodecane to prepare ingredients for anti-corrosive coatings or custom detergents. Its linear structure lets it slot into reactions that need a fatty chain, but its chlorine arm makes it reactive enough to anchor new groups. This combination helps labs fine-tune substances that stick to surfaces or break down tough grease without falling apart in tough conditions.
Moving into Surfactants and Specialty Applications
Household cleaners and industrial degreasers often start with building blocks like 1-Chlorodecane. Surfactants, those key molecules that help mix oil and water, rely on ten-carbon chains to give the right mix of cleaning power with little residue. Manufacturers pick 1-Chlorodecane because it links easily to other atoms, making it a flexible raw material for tailored products.
Over the years, I’ve noticed this chemical’s reach even shows up in agriculture. Crop protection formulas sometimes require precisely engineered molecules that can dissolve in oil but hold active pesticide ingredients in the right formulation. A chemist might add 1-Chlorodecane to a reaction step, knowing its structure will show up in the final product, acting as a carrier or helping the active ingredient stick to leaves.
Sustainability and Health Considerations
Safety crops up quickly in any discussion of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Though 1-Chlorodecane itself doesn’t spark headlines for toxicity, its relatives have stories worth reading about. Working with this chemical means dealing with proper ventilation, gloves, goggles—the works. Industrial health standards treat it as a substance to respect, not fear; inhaling fumes or skin exposure remains an avoidable risk. If a spill occurs, the cleanup isn’t as simple as grabbing a mop. The material doesn’t dissolve in water, and careless disposal can push it into soil or streams, where chlorine atoms pose extra problems for treatment plants.
Looking Forward: Safer and Greener Chemistry
Shops and labs keep using 1-Chlorodecane because it delivers reliable results where alternatives struggle. Still, green chemistry movements call for replacements with less environmental baggage. Startups in the chemical industry experiment with plant-based feedstocks and clever catalysts to sidestep using long-chain chlorinated solvents. I’ve seen research teams in university labs searching for biobased analogs, hoping to break reliance on these traditional chemicals without losing performance. Until those efforts scale up, the bottle of 1-Chlorodecane remains a quiet but essential part of many chemical recipes.
Why Care about 1-Chlorodecane?
Chemicals like 1-Chlorodecane rarely make the front page, but behind the scenes, they show up in many manufacturing labs and research settings. This clear, oily liquid carries more risk than it seems. Breathing in its fumes or spilling it on your skin can lead to headaches, dizziness, or long-term problems. The truth is, many people working in labs or factories handle similar solvents daily, and some skip basic safety steps just to finish up faster. I’ve seen this in both academic and industrial labs, and the risks add up over time.
Eye and Skin Defense
Direct contact between 1-Chlorodecane and the skin or eyes can cause irritation. Protective gloves made of nitrile or neoprene come in handy, as latex often fails against solvents like this. Eye protection goes beyond regular glasses—chemical splash goggles or even a face shield block unexpected spurts during transfers or spills. After years around the bench, I never pass up gloves or goggles, even for “quick” tasks. It’s easy to forget that a small splash can burn or affect eyesight for life.
Ventilation Isn’t Optional
Fume hoods keep things simple: work with 1-Chlorodecane inside a hood, and those chlorine-laced vapors can’t creep up and cause trouble. Many solvents spread invisible fumes quickly. I once worked in a poorly ventilated room, and headaches would show up before lunch. That’s not a coincidence. Good airflow makes a massive difference. Keeping containers closed tightly after use adds another layer of protection, stops fumes from spreading, and cuts waste as well.
Spill Response and Waste Disposal
Accidents don’t follow schedules. Keeping spill kits nearby is part of smart workflow. Absorbent pads, sand, or vermiculite soaks up most spills. Never use bare hands or paper towels. Any contaminated gear or absorbent materials need to end up in marked hazardous waste containers—not the regular trash. I’ve seen colleagues fined for improper disposal. Besides breaking the rules, dumping solvents the wrong way can pollute water sources and affect entire communities. Following local hazardous waste protocols keeps workplaces and neighborhoods safer.
Fire Risk: Don’t Ignore It
1-Chlorodecane won’t burst into flames as quickly as some solvents, but it’s still flammable. Storing it in a flame-proof cabinet helps. No open flames, hot plates, or sparks nearby. Years ago, a forgotten candle nearly set off a big fire during after-hours cleanup. Storing minimal amounts for daily use limits the dangers and simplifies emergency response.
Training and Personal Accountability
Relying on training forms the backbone of safe chemical handling. Reading the material safety data sheet (MSDS) every year sounds routine but actually makes a difference. Many folks I’ve worked with think a quick skim covers everything—they miss important updates on exposure symptoms or accident procedures. Being open about near-misses or mistakes in the lab helps everyone stay aware. Peer accountability creates safer habits than posters or warning signs alone.
Solutions Rooted in Culture
Building a culture where safety comes before speed doesn’t require fancy tech. Regular reminders, clear labeling, and a “see something, say something” attitude carry real weight. Short checklists before each use cut down on errors. I’ve found that open communication, not just among coworkers but with supervisors and safety officers, lets problems get fixed before they cause injuries. Small habits—treating every chemical with caution, no shortcuts—shape workplaces that protect both workers and the environment for the long haul.
The Essentials: Molecular Formula and Structure
1-Chlorodecane has the molecular formula C10H21Cl. That’s a chain of ten carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms filling the remaining bonds and a chlorine atom attached to the very end of the chain. Lay it out on paper and you see a straight line, not branching off. The chlorine clings to the first carbon in the chain, which chemists call the “1” position.
What the Structure Really Means
To make sense of numbers like C10H21Cl, it helps to picture the real-world uses behind the molecular structure. Long alkyl chains like this one pick up certain properties. They don’t mix with water. They dissolve easily in oil or fat. The single chlorine atom nudges the molecule into behaving a little differently than the parent molecule, decane, which lacks that chlorine.
Real-World Relevance
Long-chain chlorinated hydrocarbons like 1-chlorodecane get plenty of attention for their uses and their impact. Chemists, manufacturers, and environmental scientists all run into 1-chlorodecane from time to time—often as a building block that heads into specialty chemicals, lubricants, or surfactants. Its structure hands it a certain reactivity. That single chlorine on a decane backbone makes it a chemical intermediate, primed for transformation. Tossing a chlorine onto a hydrocarbon chain tends to make it less volatile and more persistent. These molecules stick around in the environment and can accumulate in living things. That persistence stirs up concern for regulators, especially when waste disposal or industrial spills come up.
Personal Experience with Lab Work
Working with compounds like 1-chlorodecane means paying attention. Early in my lab days, I learned the hard way how quickly the slick, slippery liquid escapes disposable gloves and stings if left too long on skin. Chlorinated hydrocarbons often evaporate slower than straight-chain alkanes, and the chlorine atoms lend an unmistakable, sharp aroma. Getting these compounds pure isn’t always easy, either. The difference between a mixture of isomers and pure 1-chlorodecane can throw off results in research or industry.
Potential Solutions and Safer Practices
Keeping workspaces safe starts with respect for the material. Proper ventilation, storage away from ignition sources, and appropriate personal protective equipment—no shortcuts. Environmental handling requires focus, too. Spill containment and safe waste management stop these persistent molecules from leaving the lab and entering waterways or soil. Biodegradation of long-chain chlorinated molecules crawls along at a snail’s pace, so careful tracking of where and how much material gets used makes a real difference. Green chemistry principles encourage swapping out chlorine where possible or using milder, less persistent alternatives for industrial applications without sacrificing performance.
Why Structure Matters Beyond the Lab
The structure of 1-chlorodecane doesn’t just stay trapped on paper. A single chlorine atom and a ten-carbon backbone create a molecule with far-reaching consequences for synthesis, safety, and sustainability. Knowing a chemical’s makeup helps predict its path from laboratory bench to global environment, and every decision about handling or replacing it draws on that simple drawing of atoms connected in a line.
Storing Chemicals the Smart Way
Anyone who spends time working with chemicals knows that safe storage isn’t optional—one slip and simple neglect can lead to big trouble. Now, 1-chlorodecane might seem harmless compared to some of the nastier chemicals out there, but it still calls for some serious respect. Mishandling it could mean anything from skin irritation to environmental messes. In my days running a small lab, a forgotten leaky container reminded me very clearly that even routine solvents need extra care. The safety basics never change, but not everybody follows them as closely as they should.
Keep It Cool, Keep It Dark
Temperature swings don’t do any good for most chemicals, and 1-chlorodecane is no exception. Stable storage means choosing a room away from direct heat, sunlight, or sudden cold snaps. Sunlight and warmth nudge chemicals like this toward breakdown or even dangerous reactions. Plenty of facilities use ventilated, temperature-controlled stockrooms. Even if you’re just storing a small bottle in a workshop or garage, pick a shaded, well-ventilated shelf under lock and key. There’s no room for shortcuts.
Seal It Tight—And Respect the Label
I’ve seen people cover bottles with plastic wrap, stick them in steel cans, or rely on battered jars. None of that does the trick. Only original, tightly closed containers block leaks and fumes. Most supply companies send 1-chlorodecane out in glass or heavy-duty plastic that resists corrosion and isn’t easy to knock over. Re-label if the writing’s faded, so nobody guesses what’s inside. Mixing up solvent bottles can cause more risk than the job’s worth. Keeping an accurate and up-to-date chemical inventory saves time, but more importantly, it keeps people safe. Good labeling practices also help poison control and first responders work quickly in case the unexpected happens.
Ventilation Always Matters
Walk into any responsible chemical storehouse, and the first thing you notice is airflow—windows cracked, extractor fans buzzing, doors not stuck shut. These steps matter with 1-chlorodecane because it gives off vapors. Everyone in a facility deserves clear lungs and peace of mind. A good fume hood or dedicated ventilation acts as the first line of defense. In small spaces, fans and regular air checks go a long way. My experience taught me to install air monitors after a few close calls—best investment I ever made.
Avoid Mixing With Acids and Bases
Storing 1-chlorodecane with acids or strong bases opens the door to trouble. Separating incompatibles in clear, divided cabinets—ideally with trays to catch spills—stops minor accidents from turning major. This habit only takes a few extra minutes but helps avoid costly and dangerous mistakes. During inventory checks, flag any bottle that looks corroded or out of place, and move it out right away. Prevention always beats damage control.
If You Spill, Act Fast
Even careful hands drop bottles. Soak up spills with inert materials like vermiculite or sand, and never let these chemicals drain away. Waste goes into a tightly sealed, clearly marked drum. Good neighbors don’t dump solvents where they shouldn't go—call a trusted hazardous waste disposal team. Training staff in emergency procedures makes recovery smooth and instills confidence.
Common Sense Keeps Everyone Safe
Good habits, clear labeling, and a bit of practical planning turn chemical storage from an afterthought into everyday routine. 1-chlorodecane doesn’t ask for anything complicated—just steady attention and a focus on basics. That mindset protects workers, property, and the wider world outside the storage room.
Physical Properties: What Sets It Apart
1-Chlorodecane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, feels slick and oily to the touch. This clear liquid barely makes itself known by odor. At room temperature, 1-Chlorodecane shows off its hydrophobic nature by refusing to mix with water. Its molecular formula, C10H21Cl, tells the story: a chain of ten carbon atoms capped with a chlorine atom. This structure translates to a substance with a boiling point in the neighborhood of 221°C, making it less volatile than the smaller-chained chlorinated alkanes I’ve worked around in lab settings. Pour a small amount into a beaker and you see its density, which hits around 0.86 g/cm3. That means it floats on water but sinks below lighter organic solvents. These practical details matter outside the lab: If a spill hits the ground, 1-Chlorodecane won’t dissolve or wash away with water, so it tends to linger in the environment.
Stick a thermometer in and drop the temperature, you notice it stays liquid well below the freezing point of water—right around -47°C. That low freezing point and low water solubility lead folks in industry to consider 1-Chlorodecane as a starting material or solvent for reactions that take place in non-polar media.
Chemical Properties: Reactivity and Durability
Looking at chemical behavior, you find 1-Chlorodecane ready for action in substitution and elimination reactions. Chlorine atoms stand out as good leaving groups, so the molecule often serves as a substrate in organic syntheses. Expose it to strong bases or nucleophiles, and it gives up the chlorine for all sorts of other functional groups: amines, hydroxyls, or even longer chains. In the lab, these reactions don’t pose much trouble, but working with 1-Chlorodecane outside a fume hood isn’t something I recommend—it can emit vapors that irritate the eyes and nose.
The carbon-chlorine bond rests somewhere in the sweet spot: stable, but not to the point of total chemical passivity. Sunlight and heat won’t break it down quickly, which contributes to environmental persistence. Direct combustion isn’t a safe way to get rid of it, because burning chlorinated hydrocarbons sends off corrosive and toxic byproducts such as hydrogen chloride and phosgene.
Why Properties Drive Impact and Risk
These characteristics—especially its hydrophobicity and chemical stability—make 1-Chlorodecane practical as an intermediate in synthesis, a solvent, or even a phase-transfer agent. At the same time, those same traits raise concerns for environmental health. I’ve seen how spills in industrial settings don’t just vanish: They stick around in soil and sediment, where they resist breakdown by water or sunlight. You can’t rely on bacteria to chew through the material quickly, either. That means managing waste and accidental releases takes careful planning and responsible practice.
Simple measures make a difference. Using closed systems in production, providing proper storage, and training handlers to use personal protective equipment cut the risk of exposure and release. Chemists often look for alternative reagents or greener solvents, which reduces reliance on persistent organochlorines like 1-Chlorodecane. If a spill happens, absorbent pads and incineration under controlled, high-temperature conditions help manage cleanup.
Knowing these physical and chemical behaviors, you really get a sense of why handling and disposal guidelines matter so much. The properties of this chemical shape both its usefulness and the responsibilities that come along with it.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Decyl chloride |
| Other names |
n-Decyl chloride
1-Decyl chloride Decyl chloride n-Decylchloride |
| Pronunciation | /ˈklɔːr.oʊ.dɛ.keɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 112-85-6 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1721244 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:35899 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL444747 |
| ChemSpider | 64280 |
| DrugBank | DB14170 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100_009_397 |
| EC Number | 203-848-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 7370 |
| KEGG | C06355 |
| MeSH | D003629 |
| PubChem CID | 12465 |
| RTECS number | HA5425000 |
| UNII | DEU3D4J8AK |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H21Cl |
| Molar mass | 192.78 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colourless liquid |
| Odor | Aromatic |
| Density | 0.831 g/mL |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 6.07 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.132 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa ≈ 50 |
| Basicity (pKb) | > 14.00 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | - 7.38e-5 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.436 |
| Viscosity | 2.959 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.03 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 340.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -222.65 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6706.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P280, P264, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 82 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 160 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): >5 g/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 3.7 g/kg |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 1-Chlorodecane: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 250 mg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Decane
1-Bromodecane 1-Iododecane 1-Fluorodecane |
