Exploring the Physical Properties of 9-Anthraldehyde: A Comprehensive Overview
From scientific experiments in the laboratory to the production of commercial products, the physical properties of chemical compounds are of utmost importance. 9-Anthraldehyde is a versatile organic compound that exhibits unique physical properties. In this article, we will explore its physical properties in-depth, providing a comprehensive overview for those interested in the chemical sciences.
What is 9-Anthraldehyde?
9-Anthraldehyde, also known as anthracene-9-carbaldehyde or 9-Formylanthracene, is a pale yellow to green crystalline powder with a melting point of 106-109°C. It’s highly soluble in organic solvents, such as chloroform, diethyl ether, and ethanol, but not water.
It is a widely used compound in the manufacture of dyes, as a starting material in the production of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid, and as a fluorescent probe in biology and chemistry. Its physical properties make it an ideal organic compound for these applications.
Molecular Structure
The molecular structure of 9-anthraldehyde consists of three fused cyclic groups consisting of benzene rings connected together. It’s a derivative of anthracene, which is a solid polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon made up of two fused benzene rings and a linearly condensed benzene ring.
The presence of the aldehyde or formyl group (-CHO) at the 9-position of the anthracene ring gives 9-anthraldehyde its unique properties, influencing its reactivity and physical properties.
Physical Properties
Boiling Point (BP)
9-Anthraldehyde has a boiling point of 321°C at atmospheric pressure. It’s a high boiling point organic compound compared to others with similar molecular weights. This property allows it to remain stable at high temperatures, making it useful as a reagent in high temperature chemical reactions.
Solubility and Stability
As mentioned earlier, 9-anthraldehyde is a highly soluble compound in organic solvents. Its solubility is due to its non-polarity and is useful in chemical reactions carried out in organic solvents.
It is also relatively stable, even in the presence of air and light, which is unusual for other organic compounds containing aldehyde functional groups. This property makes it an excellent starting material in the manufacture of various chemicals, such as dyes and fluorescent probes.
Fluorescence Properties
9-Anthraldehyde exhibits strong fluorescence with blue to blue-green emission and a lifetime of milliseconds in solution or as a powder. This property has enabled its use in the manufacture of fluorescent dyes, especially those used in biological imaging, and as a probe for detecting multiple metal ions in solution.
Applications
The physical properties of 9-anthraldehyde have led to its extensive use in various applications. It’s used in the manufacture of dyes, such as anthraquinone dyes, as well as in the production of 9-anthracene carboxylic acid.
In the pharmaceutical industry, 9-anthraldehyde is used as a reagent in the synthesis of various compounds, including indoles and pyridines, which are important building blocks for the manufacture of drugs.
The fluorescence properties of 9-anthraldehyde are also utilized in the manufacture of fluorescent dyes and as a fluorescent probe in biological and chemical research. It’s also been used as a reagent in the detection of metal ions such as copper.
Conclusion
In this article, we have explored the physical properties of 9-anthraldehyde, a versatile organic compound with unique characteristics in terms of solubility, stability, and fluorescence properties. Its physical properties have enabled its extensive use in various industries, and its versatility has made it an essential starting material for a wide range of chemical compounds.
Overall, the physical properties of 9-anthraldehyde make it an essential building block for many chemical compounds, and its potential applications make it a compound of interest for further research.
