A diol - Question about this organic commpound

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In summary, the conversation discusses a specific organic compound, 5-methylheptane1,4-diol, and the difficulties in finding information on it without access to books. The compound is said to have no interesting properties and it is mentioned that it may be used in drugs or as a metabolite in sponges. The importance and application of the compound cannot be predicted and is not a common topic of study.
  • #1
axer
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5-methylheptane1,4-diol.

I couldn't find where can I start learning this organic compound? I don't have access to any books to refer to so I'm wondering which lesson can I find this compound as an example? And I've never seen a compound with a diol. Thanks
 
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What do you mean by "learning a compound"?

If you are interested in its properties, first thing to do is to draw the compound and to identify the most important functional groups. Physical properties (melting & boiling point) can be with some luck found by googling.
 
  • #3
Yes that is what I do, Google, and usually Wikipedia has information on many compounds, usually much that you cannot predict let alone carry in your head. I think it is fair to say that the compound like this has no interesting properties! – That is the primary alcohol group has properties of any primary alcohol and the secondary of any secondary. Then two alcohols can form an ether; If two alcohol groups are on the same molecule an internal ether can be formed.

You can hardly predict from first principles of industrial importance or application of a compound, and that is part of a general chemical culture to know something of. This does not appear to have any. You never know but what things like this turn up as part of some drug or other, or as an obscure metabolite found only in sponges, but such accidents are hardly a theme you can study in itself.
 

1. What is a diol?

A diol is an organic compound that contains two hydroxyl groups (-OH) on adjacent carbon atoms. It is also known as a glycol.

2. What are the properties of a diol?

Diols are typically colorless, odorless liquids with a high boiling point. They are soluble in water and polar solvents, and are often used as solvents themselves. They have a sweet taste and are highly reactive due to the presence of two hydroxyl groups.

3. How are diols used in industry?

Diols are used in a variety of industrial applications, including as solvents, chemical intermediates, and building blocks for the production of polymers such as polyesters and polyurethanes. They are also used as antifreeze agents, fuel additives, and as components in cosmetics and personal care products.

4. What are the potential health hazards of diols?

Diols are generally considered to be low in toxicity, but some diols, such as ethylene glycol, can be harmful if ingested in large quantities. They can also irritate the skin and eyes, and may cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. It is important to handle diols with proper safety precautions.

5. How are diols synthesized?

Diols can be synthesized through a variety of methods, including the hydrolysis of epoxides, the oxidation of alkenes, and the reduction of carbonyl compounds. They can also be produced through fermentation processes using microorganisms.

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