Comparative analysis of isohexane and other hydrocarbon solvents
Introduction
Hydrocarbon solvents have long been an integral part of numerous industries, providing versatile solutions for a wide range of applications. This article aims to shed light on isohexane, a hydrocarbon solvent known for its excellent solvency power and other unique properties. By comparing isohexane with other hydrocarbon solvents like hexane, heptane, and octane, we can gain a deeper understanding of their similarities, differences, and specific uses in various industries.
Overview of isohexane
Isohexane also known as methyl pentane is a hydrocarbon solvent that belongs to the alkaline family. Being an isomer of hexane, it has a different molecular arrangement which gives it unique properties. Its chemical formula is C6H14 and its structure consists of a chain of six carbon atoms with the methyl group attached to the second carbon.
Isohexane is a colourless liquid with a boiling point of approximately 63 degrees Celsius and a density of around 0.660 g/cm3. It is immisible with water but soluble with other hydrocarbon solvents.
How does it differ from other hydrocarbon solvents?
Hexane
While isohexane and hexane are both organic compounds belonging to the same alkane family, they differ in terms of their structure and physical properties.
Hexane is a straight chain hydrocarbon with six carbon atoms and 14 hydrogen atoms.
Isohexane is an isomer of hexane which means it is structurally similar to its parent compound. The only difference being that its carbon atoms are arranged differently.
Heptane
The main difference between isoHexane and heptane is in their molecular structure. While isohexane has a branched chain structure with six carbon atoms and a methyl group attached to a second, carbon, heptane has a straight chain structure with seven carbon atoms but no branching.
Another difference between both the compounds is in their physical properties. Isohexane has a lower boiling than heptane due to its branches that disrupt the intermolecular forces resulting in weaker van der walls interactions between its molecules. That is why, it boils at a lower temperature.
Octane
The molecular structures of isohexane and octane differ in terms of their atoms arrangement. Isohexane has a total of 20 atoms (Fourteen of hydrogen and six of carbon) arranged in a branched structure. On the other hand, octane has a total of 26 atoms(eight of carbon and eighteen of hydrogen) arranged in a straight and unbranched structure.
Benzene
Benzene (C6H6) is a cyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composed of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring, with alternating single and double bonds between them. Each carbon atom is bonded to a hydrogen atom, resulting in a total of six hydrogen atoms. The structure of benzene can be represented as a regular hexagon with a circle inside to indicate the delocalized π electrons.
Isohexane (C6H14) on the other hand is an alkane with a straight chain of six carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, except for the two terminal carbon atoms, which are bonded to three hydrogen atoms each. Isohexane does not have any double or triple bonds in its structure.
Conclusion
In summary, isohexane is a versatile hydrocarbon solvent that offers numerous benefits for various applications. Its low boiling point, non-polarity, and easy flow make it a valuable solvent in industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and cleaning. While it has its advantages, it is crucial to handle isohexane safely and consider its environmental impact. By comparing isohexane with other hydrocarbon solvents, such as hexane, heptane, and octane, one can make an informed choice based on specific requirements.
