[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, boiling point of n-heptanol

Properties of n-Heptanol

n-Heptanol (n-Heptanol), chemical formula C7H16O, is a linear fatty alcohol. It is a colorless and transparent liquid with an odor similar to fragrance. N-heptanol has a molecular weight of 116.20g/mol, a melting point of -34.6°C, a boiling point of 175°C, and moderate volatility at normal temperature and pressure. Its density is about 0.82g/cm³, slightly lower than water, insoluble in water, but soluble in ethanol, ether and other organic solvents. n-Heptanol has good chemical stability, but may react at high temperature, open flame or in the presence of strong oxidants.

Uses of n-Heptanol

n-Heptanol has a variety of important uses in the chemical industry. It is one of the important raw materials for the preparation of fragrances, plasticizers, surfactants and solvents. In the perfume industry, n-heptanol can be used to synthesize a variety of fragrance ingredients, such as ionone and rose ether. As a plasticizer, it can improve the flexibility and ductility of plastics and rubber. In terms of surfactants, n-heptanol is a key intermediate in the production of detergents, emulsifiers and wetting agents. n-Heptanol can also be used as a solvent and reagent for certain organic synthesis reactions.

Upstream raw materials

The production of n-heptanol mainly depends on petrochemical raw materials. The upstream feedstock includes n-heptane (n-Heptane) and other C7 alkanes. n-heptane is obtained by petroleum cracking and fractionation processes, and it can be oxidized to produce n-heptanol. The common method in industry is to react n-heptene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen to produce aldehyde by carbonylation reaction (Oxo process), and then to produce n-heptanol by hydrogenation reaction. This method has high efficiency and is suitable for large-scale industrial production.

Downstream Products

As an intermediate, n-heptanol can be further processed into a variety of chemical products. Downstream products include various fragrances, surfactants, plasticizers and special solvents. For example, through the esterification reaction, n-heptanol can react with acids to form ester compounds, which are widely used in the fragrance and cosmetic industries. Through ethoxylation, n-heptanol can generate nonionic surfactants, which are widely used in industrial cleaners and household detergents. n-Heptanol can also react with other organics to generate a variety of specialty chemicals and polymer monomers.

storage method

Since n-heptanol has a certain volatility and flammability, its storage requires special attention. N-heptanol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated special warehouse, away from fire, heat and strong oxidants. Storage containers shall be corrosion-resistant sealed containers such as stainless steel or galvanized steel drums. The warehouse shall be equipped with fire prevention equipment and leakage emergency treatment equipment, and shall be managed in strict accordance with the chemical storage specifications. Personnel should wear protective equipment when handling and handling n-heptanol to prevent skin contact and inhalation of vapors.

Safety and environmental protection

N-heptanol has certain toxicity to human body, and prolonged exposure may cause skin irritation and respiratory discomfort. Therefore, in the process of production and use, effective protective measures must be taken to ensure that the operating environment is well ventilated and personal protective equipment must be used. The waste treatment of n-heptanol should also follow environmental protection regulations to avoid environmental pollution. Usually, the n-heptanol waste liquid should be collected and professionally treated, such as high-temperature incineration or biochemical treatment, to reduce the pollution of water and soil.

Market Analysis

The global n-heptanol market is influenced by a number of factors, including raw material prices, downstream demand, advances in production technology, and environmental regulations. In recent years, with the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, chemical companies have gradually transformed into green production, which has promoted the increase in demand for intermediates such as n-heptanol. The continuous development of downstream industries such as fragrances, plasticizers and surfactants has also driven the growth of the n-heptanol market. In terms of market competition, the world's major manufacturers include BASF, DuPont, Clariant, etc., which have significant advantages in technology and scale.

Future Outlook

With the global emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable development, the market prospect of n-heptanol is promising. Future research will focus on improving production efficiency, reducing costs and reducing environmental impact. By improving the existing production process and developing new green chemical technology, chemical enterprises can improve the output and quality of n-heptanol on the premise of ensuring production safety and environmental protection. With the development of new materials and new technologies, the application of n-heptanol in more emerging fields is also expected to be expanded, further promoting the growth of market demand.

As an important chemical intermediate, n-heptanol has a wide range of applications and good market prospects. By strengthening safety management and environmental protection measures, it can ensure its safety and sustainability in the production and use process. In the future, with the continuous progress of technology and the continuous expansion of the market, n-heptanol will play a more important role.