Quick Search
DESCRIPTION
Octadecene is an alkene with the chemical formula C18H36, consisting of 18 carbon atoms and a single double bond in its molecular structure.
Octadecene is a member of the long-chain alkenes and is often used as a chemical intermediate in various industrial and research applications.
Cas Number
112-88-9
SYNONYMS
Alpha-octadecene,n-Octadec-1-ene,Octadec-1-ene,Octadecylene,C18 alpha-olefin,Alpha-C18 olefin,1-C18H36
Octadecene (C18H36) is a versatile, long-chain hydrocarbon categorized under alpha-olefins, characterized by its single unsaturated double bond.
This article provides an in-depth exploration of octadecene’s physical and chemical properties, synthesis methods, industrial applications, environmental impact, and future trends.
A focus is placed on its use in polymer production, nanotechnology, and cosmetic formulations.
The review also discusses emerging catalytic technologies for efficient production and highlights environmental considerations related to its usage.
Linear alpha-olefins, such as octadecene, play a critical role in industrial chemistry due to their reactivity and ability to serve as building blocks in multiple chemical processes.
Octadecene, particularly 1-octadecene (with the double bond at the terminal carbon), is notable for its high boiling point, chemical stability, and hydrophobic nature.
It is widely employed in polymer synthesis, nanomaterial production, and surfactant formulations.
The article begins by contextualizing octadecene within the broader family of alkenes, providing insights into its structural significance and the global demand for alpha-olefins in industrial applications.
Structural and Physical Properties
Molecular Structure
Octadecene is a linear molecule comprising 18 carbon atoms and 36 hydrogen atoms.
The placement of its double bond influences its reactivity.
The molecule’s symmetry and non-polar nature make it an excellent solvent for hydrophobic reactions.
Isomers of Octadecene
There are multiple positional isomers of octadecene, but 1-octadecene (terminal double bond) is the most industrially significant.
Isomers with internal double bonds exhibit slightly different properties, making them suitable for niche applications.
Physical Properties
Density: ~0.78 g/cm³ at 25°C
Viscosity: Low viscosity enables its use in fluid applications, such as lubricants and chemical solvents.
Thermal Stability: Octadecene’s stability under high temperatures (~316°C boiling point) ensures it can withstand industrial conditions.
Chemical Properties
Octadecene readily participates in addition reactions due to its double bond.
Examples include:
Hydrogenation: Produces octadecane, a saturated hydrocarbon.
Polymerization: Reacts with ethylene to form polymers.
Halogenation: Useful for creating halogenated intermediates in synthesis.
Synthesis and Production
Ethylene Oligomerization
The industrial synthesis of octadecene involves oligomerizing ethylene (C2H4) under controlled conditions:
Catalysts: Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalysts ensure precision in chain growth.
Conditions: High pressure (10–50 bar) and temperatures (50–200°C) optimize yields.
3.2 Selectivity for Alpha-Olefins
Catalysts and process designs enhance the production of terminal olefins, such as 1-octadecene, over internal isomers. Advanced catalytic systems, including single-site catalysts, improve selectivity and reduce byproducts.
Purification Methods
Post-synthesis, distillation separates octadecene from other hydrocarbons.
Advanced fractionation techniques ensure purity levels exceeding 99%, which is crucial for applications in nanotechnology and cosmetics.
Applications
Nanotechnology
Octadecene is widely used in the synthesis of nanocrystals and quantum dots.
Capping Agent: Its long hydrocarbon chain stabilizes nanoparticles and prevents agglomeration.
Applications of Quantum Dots: These nanomaterials are used in displays, medical imaging, and photovoltaic devices.
Polymer Chemistry
Role in LLDPE Production: Octadecene acts as a co-monomer in the polymerization of ethylene to create linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).
Benefits: Enhances flexibility, tear resistance, and durability of the resulting polymers.
Other Polymers: Used in specialty elastomers and thermoplastic resins.
Lubricants and Surfactants
Octadecene serves as a precursor for synthetic lubricants.
Its chemical structure allows for controlled functionalization, enabling the development of high-performance lubricants for automotive and industrial applications.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
In cosmetics, octadecene derivatives (e.g., hydrogenated octadecene) are used as emollients.
They improve product texture, enhance moisture retention, and provide a non-greasy finish.
Future Perspectives
Emerging trends in material science and green chemistry point to new applications for octadecene:
Biodegradable Polymers: Research into integrating octadecene into sustainable materials shows promise for reducing plastic waste.
Nanomedicine: Octadecene-based nanoparticles may revolutionize drug delivery systems.
Advanced Catalysis: Innovations in single-site catalysts can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT OCTADECENE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off contaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
