1-Decene (872-05-9) Physical and Chemical Properties
1-Decene
Linear alpha-olefin used as a feedstock and reactive intermediate in polymer synthesis, lubricant base-stock formulation and specialty chemical production.
| CAS Number | 872-05-9 |
| Family | Aliphatic hydrocarbon (alpha-olefin) |
| Typical Form | Colorless liquid |
| Common Grades | EP, JP, USP |
1‑Decene is a linear primary alpha‑olefin (an unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon) with the constitutional formula \(\ce{C10H20}\). Structurally it is a ten‑carbon chain bearing a terminal carbon–carbon double bond (position 1), providing an sp2‑hybridized vinyl carbon and a nonpolar hydrocarbon tail. Electronically the terminal double bond renders the molecule nucleophilic at the alkene π‑bond, susceptible to electrophilic addition, hydroformylation, epoxidation and radical polymerization; the remainder of the chain behaves as a typical saturated alkyl segment. The absence of polar functional groups gives a vanishing topological polar surface area (TPSA = 0) and no hydrogen‑bond donors or acceptors, consistent with low aqueous solubility and high lipophilicity.
Physicochemical behaviour follows that of long linear alpha‑olefins: nonpolar, hydrophobic, and volatile enough to produce flammable vapor at ambient temperatures. Typical acid–base behavior is inert (no protic acidity/basicity under normal conditions). The terminal alkene resists hydrolysis but is readily oxidized or functionalized under catalytic conditions (hydroformylation, hydrogenation, epoxidation) and polymerizes in the presence of initiators or acids. High \(\log K_{\mathrm{ow}}\) and low water solubility favour partitioning to organic phases, sorption to sediments, and potential bioconcentration in aquatic organisms.
Common commercial grades reported for this substance include: EP, JP, USP.
Physical Properties
Density and Phase
1‑Decene is a colorless liquid at ambient temperature and is less dense than water, so it will float on contact with water. Reported densities include \(0.741\) at \(68\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\), \(0.7408\) @ \(20\,^\circ\mathrm{C}/4\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), and a relative density (water = 1) of \(0.74\). Vapor density (air = 1) is reported as \(4.84\).
Chemically, the low polarity and high hydrocarbon content explain the subunit density relative to water and the propensity to form a separate organic phase when released to aqueous environments.
Melting Point
Reported melting/freezing values are: \(-87.3\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\), \(-66.3\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), and \(-66\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). These low melting temperatures are consistent with a flexible linear hydrocarbon chain and minimal intermolecular polarity.
Boiling Point
Reported boiling points include \(339.1\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\) at \(760\,\mathrm{mmHg}\), \(170.56\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) @ \(760\,\mathrm{mmHg}\), and \(172\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). The boiling range is typical for C10 linear hydrocarbons and reflects the balance between van der Waals attractions along the decyl chain and the absence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
Vapor Pressure
Vapor pressure data indicate appreciable volatility: \(1.67\,\mathrm{mmHg}\) (also reported as \(1.67\,\mathrm{mmHg}\) @ \(25\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)) and \(0.23\,\mathrm{kPa}\) at \(20\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). These values predict a significant vapor concentration at ambient temperatures and contribute to flammability and inhalation exposure potential.
Viscosity
Kinematic viscosity values reported around ambient temperature are \(1.09\ \mathrm{sq\ mm/s}\) @ \(20\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) and \(1.1\ \mathrm{mm^2/s}\) at \(20\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\). The low viscosity reflects the single‑molecule nature (monomeric liquid) and compares with other C10 hydrocarbons used as solvents or monomers.
Chemical Properties
Flammability and Combustion
1‑Decene is a flammable liquid and forms explosive vapor–air mixtures. Reported flash point values include \(128\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\), \(53\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), and statements of less than \(131\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\) (less than \(55\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), closed cup) or \(46\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) (c.c.). The autoignition temperature is reported as \(455\,^\circ\mathrm{F}\) (\(235\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) / \(210\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) in some reports). Explosive limits are given as \(0.5\)–\(5.4\) vol% in air. Heat of combustion and vaporization data are reported (heat of combustion ≈ \(-19,107\) BTU/lb; heat of vaporization ≈ \(119\) BTU/lbm), consistent with energy release characteristic of saturated/unsaturated C10 hydrocarbons.
From a mechanistic perspective, combustion proceeds as with other hydrocarbons: radical chain oxidation with formation of CO2 and H2O under complete combustion. The terminal double bond does not fundamentally change bulk flammability but can influence ignition sensitivity in finely divided or heated systems.
Reactivity and Typical Transformations
The vinyl group at C‑1 is the primary reactive site. Typical industrial and laboratory transformations include: - Catalytic hydrogenation to yield n‑decane. - Hydroformylation (oxo process) to give linear and branched undecanal/undecyl alcohols under transition‑metal catalysis. - Epoxidation and subsequent ring‑opening chemistries. - Radical polymerization and oligomerization to produce polyalpha‑olefin intermediates; polymerization may be exothermic and can be initiated by acids, peroxides, or radical initiators. - Susceptibility to oxidation by strong oxidizers; incompatibility with strong oxidizing agents is noted.
Hydrolysis is not applicable (no hydrolyzable functional groups), while biodegradation and aerobic oxidation are important environmental transformation routes for this linear hydrocarbon.
Identifiers and Synonyms
Registry Numbers and Codes
- CAS Registry Number: 872-05-9
- European Community (EC) Number: 212-819-2
- UN Number(s) (listed): 3295 (1‑DECENE), 1993
- UNII: 7O4U4C718P
- Additional identifiers present in the cheminformatics set: CHEBI:87315; CHEMBL3187990; DTXSID8027329
Synonyms and Structural Names
Common synonyms and structural names appearing in supplier and registry lists include: 1‑DECENE, Dec‑1‑ene, Decylene, n‑1‑Decene, 1‑n‑Decene, alpha‑Decene, n‑Decylene, Linealene 10, Neodene 10. The computed IUPAC name is dec‑1‑ene.
Molecular and structural identifiers:
- Molecular formula: \(\ce{C10H20}\)
- Molecular weight: 140.27
- Exact mass / Monoisotopic mass: 140.156500638
- SMILES: CCCCCCCCC=C
- InChI: InChI=1S/C10H20/c1-3-5-7-9-10-8-6-4-2/h3H,1,4-10H2,2H3
- InChIKey: AFFLGGQVNFXPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Note: SMILES, InChI and InChIKey are provided as machine identifiers for structure referencing and analytical method development.
Industrial and Commercial Applications
Use as Solvent or Fuel Component
1‑Decene is used industrially as an intermediate and component in multiple sectors. It serves as a monomer for synthesis of polyalpha‑olefin (PAO) synthetic lubricants and is a building block in hydroformylation (oxo process) to produce primary alcohols (e.g., n‑undecyl alcohol). It is also used as a chemical intermediate in the manufacture of flavors, fragrances, dyes, oils, resins, and various specialty chemicals.
As a hydrocarbon with a high \(\log K_{\mathrm{ow}}\) and low polarity, it can function as a solvent for nonpolar substrates and as a blending component in fuel and lubricant formulations.
Representative Use Scenarios
Representative industrial scenarios include: - Feedstock in oligomerization streams that produce alpha‑olefin mixtures; fractionation yields C10 alpha‑olefins for downstream chemistry. - Monomer supply for polymerization or controlled oligomerization to produce viscosity‑modifier base oils and lubricant additives. - Raw material for catalytic functionalization (e.g., conversion to alcohols, aldehydes, epoxides) in intermediate synthesis chains for surfactants, plasticizers, and other specialty products. - Use as a laboratory analytical standard and in gas chromatography reference materials.
If high‑purity grades are required (e.g., for analytical standards or pharmaceutical intermediates), appropriate purification and specification practices are applied.
Safety and Handling Overview
Flammability Hazards
1‑Decene is classified as a flammable liquid and vapor. Key fire‑hazard parameters include: - Flash point: reported values around \(53\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) (closed cup values reported in the \(46\)–\(55\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) range) - Autoignition temperature: reported near \(235\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) - Explosive limits: \(0.5\)–\(5.4\) vol% in air - Vapors are heavier than air (vapor density ≈ \(4.84\)) and can accumulate in low or confined areas, creating flashback and explosion risk.
Control measures: eliminate ignition sources, ensure grounding and bonding of process equipment to prevent electrostatic discharge during transfer, and use explosion‑proof electrical installations and ventilation in areas where vapors may accumulate.
For fire suppression, standard media for hydrocarbon fires are appropriate (foam, dry chemical, carbon dioxide); cooling of storage containers is advisable.
Storage and Handling Considerations
Storage and handling should reflect the compound’s volatility, flammability, and inhalation/dermal exposure risks: - Store in cool, well‑ventilated, fireproof areas away from oxidizers and strong acids/bases. - Use closed systems and local exhaust ventilation for operations above \(46\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) or when significant vapor generation is possible. - Prevent release to drains and the environment; absorb spills with inert materials and collect in sealed containers for disposal in accordance with local regulations. - Personal protective equipment: chemically resistant gloves, safety goggles or face shield, and, where vapor concentrations may exceed occupational exposure limits, organic‑vapor respirators or supplied‑air systems. Avoid skin contact; the substance is defatting and can irritate or dry the skin. - First aid basics: move exposed persons to fresh air, flush skin or eyes with water, and do not induce vomiting after ingestion due to aspiration hazard.
Hazard classifications and label statements reported include flammability, aspiration hazard, skin irritation, and aquatic toxicity concerns. For detailed regulatory, transport and hazard communication requirements, consult product‑specific Safety Data Sheets and applicable local legislation.
For accidental release, isolate the area, eliminate ignition sources, provide ventilation, recover product where feasible, and prevent entry to waterways and sewers. Dispose of residues following local environmental and waste regulations.
