1-Chlorohexane: From Laboratory Curiosity to Modern-Day Capabilities

Historical Development

In the late 1800s, chemists wanted to understand how chlorine could bond with hydrocarbons—hexane being a straightforward choice. Early journals tell stories of glassware bubbling with hexane vapors, workers gauging the right moment to add chlorine gas without risking a runaway reaction. By the 1920s, 1-chlorohexane had moved on from lab benches to help fuel research in physical chemistry, giving researchers a reliable alkyl chloride to probe the nuances of nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions. My time in organic synthesis mirrored these old approaches, using simple alkanes as starting points. Literature from the mid-20th century often spotlights 1-chlorohexane in reaction tables and as a standard for testing new catalysts. Shifts in environmental regulations eventually nudged manufacturers to tweak their methods, but the compound’s core significance in organic chemistry stayed steady.

Product Overview

1-Chlorohexane stands as a straight-chain, six-carbon primary alkyl halide. You find it as a colorless, oily liquid with a mild, almost soapy odor. Industry labs often supply it in sealed, amber bottles to keep light and air from fouling the quality. Current suppliers focus on keeping impurities like hexanol, hexene, and dichlorohexane well below 0.5% because trace amounts can throw off yields in downstream reactions. Common reference numbers include CAS 544-10-5. Colleagues in academic and industrial research gravitate toward this molecule to anchor reaction development, solvent studies, and as a starting point for further functionalization.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The molecular formula, C6H13Cl, gives a molar mass of 120.63 g/mol. 1-Chlorohexane boils at about 132-134°C, though altitude brings slight shifts, as I found during a synthesis run at elevation. The density at 20°C clocks in around 0.88 g/cm³—less than water, but enough to sink below hexane in separatory funnels. Its refractive index runs about 1.421, and you can spot its presence via infrared peaks around 720 and 740 cm-1, signifying the C-Cl bond. It mixes easily with non-polar organic solvents like ether or toluene and refuses to blend well with water, which often simplifies extraction steps in the lab.

Technical Specifications & Labeling

Reagent-grade 1-chlorohexane usually comes with purity ratings over 98%. Certificates of analysis matter here, showing residual moisture and verifying the absence of peroxide byproducts—a concern in storage because residual chlorine sometimes triggers slow oxidation. Labels include hazard warnings (flammable liquid, irritant), proper chemical identification, batch tracking information, and storage conditions (keep cool, dry, and out of sunlight). Labs with proper chemical management systems track each bottle by barcode to avoid confusion, since for general alkyl chlorides, it's easy to grab the wrong chain length.

Preparation Method

High-school chemistry might teach the reaction of 1-hexanol with hydrochloric acid, but larger scale labs prefer using thionyl chloride (SOCl2) or phosphorus trichloride (PCl3). Each has practical trade-offs: SOCl2 produces cleaner products, but its fumes are much more pungent and toxic. Mixing alcohol and chlorinating agents under anhydrous conditions with a base such as pyridine fends off side reactions, grabbing liberated HCl and keeping the liquid phase smooth. Once the reaction’s finished, fractional distillation separates 1-chlorohexane from byproducts and unreacted starting materials. As someone who has run this prep, the overwhelming chlorinated odor clings to clothes and bench-tops for days—ventilation and tight lids help immensely.

Chemical Reactions & Modifications

1-Chlorohexane acts as a clean template for a range of core reactions. It substitutes easily with nucleophiles—hydroxide swapping the chloride for a hexanol, cyanide making a straight shot to heptanenitrile, or an amine forging a hexylamine. Heating with strong bases can peel off HCl to make hexene. Grignard formation is a classic move: treating 1-chlorohexane with magnesium in ether makes hexylmagnesium chloride, valuable for alkylation. Labs working on novel catalysts return to 1-chlorohexane to judge reactivity, predict selectivity outcomes, and benchmark new synthetic pathways. Side reactions, especially elimination or rearrangement, crop up if conditions drift too warm or basic, so precise temperature control is key.

Synonyms & Product Names

1-Chlorohexane might also be listed as hexyl chloride, n-hexyl chloride, or simply chlorhexane. Rare catalogs call it chloro-n-hexane, but that name comes up less often. In international trade, it occasionally appears as UN 1992—hazardous goods regulations identify it this way for transport and customs.

Safety & Operational Standards

Handling 1-chlorohexane demands respect for its volatility, flammability, and toxicity. Even a small spill in a warm lab can fill the room with persistent, irritant fumes. The safety data sheet calls for standard precautions: eye protection, solvent-resistant gloves, and use of fume hoods. My earliest safety briefing stressed that alkyl chlorides often pose more risk than people suspect—skin contact leads to redness, and splashes in the eyes can trigger stinging or lasting discomfort. Inhalation, even at moderate concentrations, brings dizziness and headaches. In fire scenarios, burning this compound releases hydrochloric acid and carbon monoxide, both hazardous to first responders. Environmental rules ban most disposal down the drain; incineration or licensed chemical disposal stands as best practice. Storage away from oxidizers, open flames, and moisture helps maintain quality and avoids slow degradation—rust on bottle caps signals it’s time for disposal.

Application Area

1-Chlorohexane sees frequent use as a building block in synthetic chemistry. Agrochemical labs use it to introduce the hexyl chain into new pesticide candidates. Pharma manufacturing hops onto its reactivity to prepare intermediates for drug development, usually by swapping out chloride for new functions. Polymer scientists explore 1-chlorohexane to tailor the properties of specialty plastics, or as a chain-transfer agent during radical polymerizations. Environmental researchers use isotopically labeled versions to trace fate and transport in soils and water, tracking persistence and breakdown. In teaching, college students often encounter it for classic experiments—SN1 versus SN2 mechanisms, finding which substitutions run cleaner under specific conditions.

Research & Development

New studies keep pushing 1-chlorohexane into frontier spaces. Recent work investigates green chemistry approaches, aiming to swap traditional chlorinating agents for less hazardous alternatives like ionic liquids or novel catalysts. Synthetic organic chemists rely on its stable leaving group to build more complex molecules in fewer steps, tweaking protocols for better atom economy. Analytical method research benefits too—developing more sensitive ways to detect alkyl chlorides in air or water, especially given rising regulatory scrutiny. Scientists in catalysis often pick 1-chlorohexane as a standard for comparing efficiencies in halide activation or breaking carbon-chlorine bonds. I’ve worked on teams that benchmark new ligands’ ability to speed up coupling reactions, and 1-chlorohexane always gave consistent reactivity, a sort of “laboratory constant.”

Toxicity Research

Studies reveal that 1-chlorohexane affects the central nervous system with extended inhalation, causing symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, or headache. Animal studies have flagged liver and kidney impacts after high-level exposures, making it clear that chronic or repeated contact poses real harm. Short-term skin exposure causes mild irritation, but extended contact or repeated splashing may trigger dermatitis. Epidemiological surveys of workers show no strong link to cancer with proper handling, but inadequate ventilation ramps up short-term risks. Regulatory agencies restrict occupational exposures, usually recommending air concentrations below 50 ppm and stipulating glove and goggle use. My hands-on experience aligns with these findings—working at a hood or outdoors, spills kept small, and hands washed promptly after use. Modern factories install vapor detectors and employ closed systems where possible to further cut risk.

Future Prospects

Environmental and industrial shifts steer the future of 1-chlorohexane. Chemists look to reduce or replace classic chlorination reagents, aiming for less toxic byproducts and simpler waste streams. Some groups push for biocatalysts or microwave-assisted routes, promising shorter reaction times and less environmental impact. Regulatory pressure mounts around volatile organic compounds, nudging process engineers to recycle or trap emissions with activated carbon. Recycling efforts consider repurposing spent material into less hazardous byproducts, cutting cradle-to-grave environmental risk. In application areas, demand grows in specialty chemical synthesis—new materials, pharmaceuticals, and advanced polymer science all drawing on its reliable carbon-chlorine bond. As greener lab strategies gain traction and novel catalysts outperform traditional ones, the basic framework 1-chlorohexane offers will support both legacy research and future discoveries.



What is 1-Chlorohexane used for?

Why 1-Chlorohexane Matters

In chemistry, certain compounds play a quiet but central role behind the scenes. 1-Chlorohexane belongs to this group. It's a colorless organic liquid, built from a six-carbon chain with a chlorine atom at the end. This simple structure gives it a surprising amount of value, especially for those working at the crossroads of industrial manufacturing and chemical research.

Key Applications: Building Blocks and Solvents

People in labs reach for 1-Chlorohexane when they want to add a hexyl group to a molecule. It serves as a reagent in organic synthesis, giving chemists flexibility to build larger, more complex compounds. Pharmaceutical researchers use it during early-stage drug development to test reactions or create reference materials. Without compounds like this, it would be tough to prepare new materials quickly or refine synthetic methods.

Manufacturers turn to 1-Chlorohexane for similar reasons. It helps produce additives used in lubricants and surfactants. These additives improve performance in machinery or cleaning solutions. In my own time working alongside chemical engineers, I've seen how a well-chosen intermediate can cut costs and time. Shortcuts rarely exist in chemical production, but sometimes picking the right building block gives you an edge. That's how companies improve quality and keep formulas proprietary. 1-Chlorohexane, despite its low profile, fits into that picture. Its use as a solvent is less common, due to safety concerns, but some sectors rely on its non-polar character to dissolve specific reagents for specialty operations.

Challenges and Safety

Chemists can't ignore health and safety when working with chlorinated compounds. 1-Chlorohexane doesn't escape scrutiny. Inhalation, skin contact, and environmental release all create risks. It can irritate skin and respiratory systems and requires good ventilation and gloves. In labs where I've worked, strict safety sheets dictate handling, and old protocols get updated every few years. Chemical spills invite quick cleanup—no room for shortcuts or guesswork. These habits build trust, not only in the lab but also in industries that ship and store thousands of liters at a time.

Environmental Impact and Future Directions

There's another side to this story. Chlorinated hydrocarbons stick around in soil or groundwater longer than many folks realize. Production runoff, improper disposal, or leaks introduce long-term hazards. Regulatory agencies keep records and tighten limits over time. Europe’s REACH regulations and the U.S. EPA both monitor chemicals like 1-chlorohexane, urging safer handling and seeking safer alternatives.

Green chemistry trends now encourage researchers to replace persistent pollutants with biodegradable substitutes. Small companies and major corporations alike put money into safer production lines. In my experience, adjusting workflows takes time, but clear rules and joint projects between public and private sectors push projects forward. Smart investment in technology—from better solvent recovery to digital tracking of waste—brings progress. The chemical industry doesn't stand still long, given enough incentive and pressure.

Looking Forward

1-Chlorohexane shows how a single molecule can bridge science and industry. Its uses stretch from the lab bench to assembly lines. At the same time, increased awareness of risks encourages innovators to find greener routes wherever possible. Those working with these chemicals carry a responsibility to keep people and the planet safe, all while keeping progress moving forward.

What is the chemical formula of 1-Chlorohexane?

Understanding 1-Chlorohexane: Simple Structure, Real-World Impact

Some might read the name 1-chlorohexane and imagine a complex molecule, but its formula—C6H13Cl—unfolds a much simpler story. The backbone begins with hexane, a chain of six carbon atoms, each capped and connected by hydrogen. Swapping out a hydrogen for a chlorine atom at one end turns hexane into 1-chlorohexane. It sounds straightforward, but this modest substitution gives rise to plenty of industrial and scientific uses.

Real Uses Demand Real Awareness

Practical chemistry often shows up in places far removed from the fluorescent lab lights. I've seen plenty of people work with this formula on paper during organic chemistry classes, but its uses outside textbooks speak volumes about why we keep studying it. 1-chlorohexane steps into the world as a solvent and a building block for other chemicals. Many who handle industrial chemicals learn fast that one swapped atom can mean the difference between a safe material and one that needs careful attention. Chlorine, attached to the chain’s first carbon, changes the way this molecule interacts with living things and the environment. This small format, C6H13Cl, turns up in synthetic processes, from pesticides to specialty rubbers.

Safety, Environment, and a Push for Better Practices

Experience teaches that anything made with halogen atoms—in this case, chlorine—demands thoughtful management. When I worked in chemical storage, protocols drilled into us highlighted the need for safety. The same carbon-to-chlorine bond that makes 1-chlorohexane valuable also brings concerns about toxicity and persistence in the environment. Studies out of reputable sources like the CDC point out that chlorinated hydrocarbons can stick around in soil and water. This hasn’t slowed demand, but it has pushed producers to look harder at waste streams and containment.

The world grows sharper about chemical footprints. Many companies invest in closed-loop systems, catching leaks and spills before they cause trouble. Better worker training and clearer labels help, but there’s room for tougher regulations and third-party oversight. Research into safer replacements continues, but so far, 1-chlorohexane’s properties keep it on the shelf in many warehouses.

The Formula Reminds Us—Details Change Everything

One atom seems like such a small thing, but it sets off a chain reaction in industry and regulation. The journey from C6H14 (plain hexane) to C6H13Cl changes boiling point, solubility, and, most importantly, environmental interactions. Organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency track and evaluate such chemicals for exactly this reason. They know the story doesn't stop at a lab bench; the molecule finds its way into waterways and air if not handled right.

As someone who’s handled materials with similar formulas, I’ve seen that attention to detail remains the most valuable tool around. Regulations catch up, science marches on, but respect for the chemistry itself—what swapping one atom can do—keeps workplaces safer and the broader world a little cleaner.

Is 1-Chlorohexane hazardous or toxic?

Understanding 1-Chlorohexane Up Close

If you've worked in a lab, you know a chemical’s safety rating determines more than how it’s stored. 1-Chlorohexane is a colorless, oily liquid with a faint, sweet odor. In industry, it shows up in organic synthesis and sometimes even pops up in classrooms. The catch: it's not something you want to splash around carelessly or sniff near an open bench.

Personal Exposure Teaches a Lesson

During one summer working in a university research group, I helped with solvent extractions using 1-Chlorohexane. I was still learning the ropes, but one afternoon my glove split. An itchy, burning feeling spread across two fingers. That tight, almost plastic-like sensation on my skin stuck with me for days. Even with frequent glove changes and fume hood work, handling this solvent creates real exposure risks. The chemical label said "irritant," yet skin contact felt plenty hazardous to me.

Toxicity: Beyond the Label

Student and worker safety relies on more than a single hazard symbol. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and European Chemicals Agency, 1-Chlorohexane irritates the eyes, respiratory tract, and skin. Breathing in vapors leads to coughing, headaches, nausea, and even central nervous system symptoms if exposure goes high enough. The compound doesn’t stop at minor irritation: lab studies with rodents showed nervous system effects and even kidney damage with repeated high doses.

Most research points to a low risk of cancer or mutagenicity at typical exposure levels, yet that doesn't mean zero danger. Few long-term studies target this exact compound, and with decades of workplace chemical incidents, out-of-sight hazards can pop up years later. Consistent use of fume hoods and protective gear shapes every day in lab environments for a reason.

Real-World Risks Around Use

People rarely think about volatilization, but 1-Chlorohexane evaporates quickly under room conditions. Its vapor spreads fast across small spaces, so even minor spills carry a punch. Working without goggles or gloves can cause red, burning eyes or a rash. At concentrations found in poorly ventilated rooms, the Health and Safety Executive in the UK lists drowsiness and dizziness as recurring complaints. Inhalation of high concentrations can affect mood, alertness, and memory. For anyone managing chemicals, keeping a chemical’s safety data sheet within reach isn’t just a box-ticking exercise—it’s often the difference between an ordinary day and a medical scare.

Safer Labs, Better Practices

Teaching new students underscores how routine safety becomes invisible if nothing ever goes wrong. Using gloves resistant to chlorinated solvents, running all work in functioning fume hoods, storing chemicals in sealed containers all form the bedrock of safe handling. Labs with good airflow and up-to-date spill kits experience fewer accidents.

In light of green chemistry efforts, some research groups switch out 1-Chlorohexane for less toxic alternatives like heptane or certain alcohols. Still, not every reaction works the same way. There are cases where substitutions simply don’t cut it. Even then, reducing quantities and improving training minimizes risk for everyone down the line, from first-year students to custodial staff who handle waste.

Final Thought on Risk Awareness

It’s easy to underestimate so-called “basic” lab solvents. My experience, and countless others’, shows every chemical—no matter how familiar—carries risks. By respecting 1-Chlorohexane and giving it its due care, labs protect skin, lungs, and futures. Nothing brings safety training to life like a close call and a bottle of 1-Chlorohexane staring back from the shelf.

How should 1-Chlorohexane be stored?

Looking Closely at 1-Chlorohexane

1-Chlorohexane looks pretty harmless at first glance, but there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. At its core, this chemical can mess with health and the environment if left unchecked. Companies lean on it for industrial tasks. Science teachers use it to show how chemical reactions play out. If you’re around this stuff long enough, you learn pretty quickly that storage isn't just a box to tick—it shapes everything else you do with it.

Health Comes First

Nobody wants a headache at work—literally or figuratively. Breathing 1-Chlorohexane vapors can cause just that headache, plus drowsiness and nausea. Skin contact can leave you with chemical burns or irritation. More worrisome, high levels can lead to nervous system symptoms even after the bottles have been cleaned up. No one forgets the day a leaking cap forced an evacuation—just because the drum sat in the wrong part of the storeroom.

Fire and Environmental Hazards

This chemical doesn’t just threaten individual health. 1-Chlorohexane catches fire easily. Leaky containers near a spark can turn a regular shift into a rush for the fire extinguishers. If it spills, the liquid flows fast and slips into drains, putting both local water systems and wildlife at risk. The impact stretches further than most people realize—just one gallon can go a long way once it hits the ground.

What Proper Storage Looks Like

Storing 1-Chlorohexane safely doesn’t mean building a fortress; it comes down to discipline and common sense. I’ve never seen a more miserable cleanup than one following a storage error. Mistakes always start with the wrong container, usually plastic that reacts with the chemical or leaks after a month of heat inside a metal shed. Only high-quality, tight-sealing containers made of materials that resist chlorinated hydrocarbons hold up over time.

Good storage habits mean cool, dry rooms without sunlight streaming in. Heat speeds up evaporation, and sun rays crack open bottles left in the wrong spot. Room ventilation matters more than people think—strong airflow keeps vapors from building up, bringing down risks at the simplest level.

Labels and Segregation

Clear, unmistakable labeling on every bottle solves half the problem. Anyone who’s grabbed the wrong container knows how stressful it gets when chemicals with similar names or shapes share the same space. Flammable liquids never sit side-by-side with oxidizers, acids, or bases. Mixing up shelves has caused more accidental reactions than defective lids. Color-coding works best—no guessing games at the end of a long day.

Training, Technology, and Modern Solutions

Regular training shapes good habits. Bringing new staff into the fold starts with walking them through real-life spill stories and showing cleanup videos. Emergency showers, eyewash stations, and fire extinguishers stationed nearby offer more than peace of mind—they are lifesavers when the unexpected happens.

Digital inventory tracking takes the pressure off memory and handwritten logs. Alarms and sensors help catch leaks before they turn into costly accidents. Smart storage systems, even basic temperature and humidity monitors, can warn staff about problems long before things go sideways.

Changing the Culture

It’s not enough to post a set of rules and hope everyone follows them. Supervisors and workers set the tone for everyone else. People watch each other, and they’re shaped by the attitude on the shop floor. The teams that manage chemical hazards best see themselves as stewards, not just workers. Every bottle on the shelf demands respect, and cautious storage decisions protect everyone. From my experience, respect starts with the first label and lasts until there’s nothing left inside the drum.

What are the physical properties of 1-Chlorohexane?

Clarity and Consistency

In the lab, handling 1-chlorohexane always means dealing with a clear and colorless liquid. Its transparency makes it easy to see through, which helps during measurement and mixing. Experience shows that this clarity often points to high purity, which is a relief—nobody wants mystery substances interacting with their chemicals. The liquid feels slightly oily, slipping over glass surfaces like a light film. Such details matter when pouring or cleaning up spills, preventing unnecessary mess and wasted material.

Distinctive Smell and Volatility

Anybody who has worked with chlorinated solvents picks up the sharp, sweet odor of 1-chlorohexane right away. It’s not overpowering like some industrial chemicals, but this scent gives a quick cue that ventilation matters. Many volatile organic compounds, including this one, evaporate fast at room temperature, and the vapor easily travels throughout a workspace. A boiling point sitting around 155°C means it won’t evaporate as quickly as acetone or ether, but its volatility still deserves respect. Using this compound in a fume hood, or with windows cracked open, keeps the headache and safety risks at bay.

Density and Solubility

Pour 1-chlorohexane into water, and you’ll notice it floats right on top. Its density hovers near 0.88 g/cm3—just a bit lighter than water. This trait makes separation after reactions a smoother process, especially in organic chemistry labs. The main drawback? It won’t dissolve in water. Instead, it mixes well with other organic solvents like ether, chloroform, or alcohol. Some separation techniques depend on this; it’s easy to extract or wash with the right partner solvent. Inexperienced students sometimes hope for universal mixing power, but 1-chlorohexane stays stubbornly hydrophobic.

Flammability and Storage Tips

With a flash point around 49°C, 1-chlorohexane counts as flammable—though not as hazardous as low-boiling ethers or gasoline. The liquid catches fire in the right conditions, especially in workshops with little airflow or hot surfaces. Fire-safe cabinets keep the risk low, and labeling every bottle stops surprises later on. Old paint-thinner cans and unlabeled flasks have caused too many lab mishaps to ignore this simple step. Its vapor can also travel near ground level and seek ignition sources.

Stability and Handling Insights

1-Chlorohexane keeps well under normal conditions, staying stable in tightly closed containers out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light or open flames speed up its breakdown, which means storing it in a shaded, cool spot preserves both quality and safety. Exposure to strong bases, or high heat during experiments, can break the molecule apart and release harmful byproducts, such as hydrogen chloride gas.

Practical Takeaways

Nobody wants chemical accidents. Using gloves and safety goggles, especially when dealing with splashing and fumes, turns into second nature after a few mistakes. Proper labeling, safe storage, and mindful waste disposal all make labs run smoother. Remembering the details—like odor, density, flammability—helps prevent problems before they start. For those starting out, respect for the straightforward yet distinctive properties of 1-chlorohexane creates better habits, safer spaces, and cleaner results, day in and day out.

1-Chlorohexane
1-Chlorohexane
1-Chlorohexane
Names
Preferred IUPAC name 1-chlorohexane
Other names Hexyl chloride
n-Hexyl chloride
n-Hexyl monochloride
Pronunciation /ˈklɔːr.oʊˌhɛk.seɪn/
Identifiers
CAS Number 629-08-3
Beilstein Reference 1718736
ChEBI CHEBI:81434
ChEMBL CHEMBL42924
ChemSpider 12079
DrugBank DB16637
ECHA InfoCard ECHA InfoCard: 100.007.297
EC Number 203-942-2
Gmelin Reference 43037
KEGG C01153
MeSH D002769
PubChem CID 8122
RTECS number MI0180000
UNII 1GV56K243F
UN number UN2357
Properties
Chemical formula C6H13Cl
Molar mass 120.65 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor mild odor
Density 0.858 g/mL at 25 °C
Solubility in water Insoluble
log P 3.61
Vapor pressure 2.62 mmHg (at 25 °C)
Acidity (pKa) 15.68
Basicity (pKb) > 15.0
Magnetic susceptibility (χ) -0.0000708
Refractive index (nD) 1.419
Viscosity 0.753 cP (20 °C)
Dipole moment 1.72 D
Thermochemistry
Std molar entropy (S⦵298) 274.9 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹
Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) -167.2 kJ/mol
Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) -4134.7 kJ/mol
Hazards
GHS labelling GHS02, GHS07
Pictograms GHS02,GHS07
Signal word Warning
Hazard statements H225, H315, H319, H335, H411
Precautionary statements P210, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313
NFPA 704 (fire diamond) 1-1-0
Flash point 62 °C
Autoignition temperature 180 °C
Explosive limits Explosive limits: 1.05–6.7%
Lethal dose or concentration LD50 oral rat 1960 mg/kg
LD50 (median dose) LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 1400 mg/kg
NIOSH NA0458000
PEL (Permissible) PEL: Not established
REL (Recommended) 100 ppm
IDLH (Immediate danger) 500 ppm
Related compounds
Related compounds 1-Bromohexane
1-Iodohexane
1-Fluorohexane
Hexane
1-Chloroheptane
1-Chloropentane
1-Chlorobutane