1-Hexanol (CAS 111-27-3)

1-Hexanol is an organic compound that is part of the alcohol family with a six-carbon chain, making it a higher alcohol compared to its more common and simpler counterparts like methanol and ethanol. Characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group attached to its first carbon atom, 1-hexanol is notable for its relatively high molecular weight which imparts unique physical and chemical properties such as a higher boiling point and greater viscosity compared to lower alcohols. In research, 1-hexanol has been extensively utilized as a non-polar solvent due to its ability to dissolve substances that do not readily dissolve in water, making it invaluable in the study of hydrophobic compounds. Furthermore, this alcohol plays a critical role in the study of biological membrane processes and the behavior of lipids due to its interaction with lipid bilayers, where it is used to alter membrane fluidity and permeability in controlled experimental setups. In the field of green chemistry, 1-hexanol is also studied for its potential as a biofuel component because of its renewable origins and favorable combustion properties. Its role in organic synthesis is significant as well; it serves as a starting material or intermediate in the manufacture of perfumes, plasticizers, and other organic compounds, thereby facilitating a deeper understanding of complex synthetic pathways and reaction mechanisms.