1-Chlorodecane
[CAS# 1002-69-3]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon
• Name: 1-Chlorodecane
• Synonyms: Decyl chloride
• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₁Cl
• Molecular Weight: 176.73
• CAS Registry Number: 1002-69-3
• EC Number: 213-691-0
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCl

Properties

• Density: 0.9±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*, 0.868 g/mL (Expl.)
• Melting point: -34 °C (Expl.)
• Boiling point: 223.7±3.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*, 223 °C (Expl.)
• Flash point: 83.3 °C (Calc.)^*, 83 °C (Expl.)
• Solubility: water 0.01 g/L (20 °C) (Expl.)
• Index of refraction: 1.433 (Calc.)^*, 1.437 (Expl.)

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS08;GHS09 Warning
• Risk Statements: H351-H400-H410
• Safety Statements: P203-P273-P280-P318-P391-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Carcinogenicity	Carc.	2	H351
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

• Transport Information: UN 3082

Discovery and Applications

1-Chlorodecane is a long-chain alkyl halide with the molecular formula C₁₀H₂₁Cl. It consists of a straight ten-carbon alkane backbone bearing a chlorine atom at the terminal carbon. As a member of the primary chloroalkane family, it is structurally simple yet chemically versatile, serving as a useful intermediate in organic synthesis, surfactant chemistry, and materials research.

In terms of physical properties, 1-chlorodecane is a colorless to pale liquid, relatively hydrophobic, with low solubility in water but good miscibility with many organic solvents. Its relatively high molecular weight compared to shorter chloroalkanes gives it lower volatility and a higher boiling point. These features make it easier to handle in laboratory and industrial settings while still retaining the typical reactivity of primary alkyl halides.

Chemically, 1-chlorodecane undergoes substitution and elimination reactions characteristic of haloalkanes. The terminal chlorine atom is susceptible to nucleophilic substitution, allowing conversion into a wide range of derivatives such as alcohols, amines, and thiols through appropriate reagents. It also participates in the formation of long-chain quaternary ammonium salts, which are valuable as surfactants, phase-transfer catalysts, and disinfectants. Because of its reactivity, it can serve as a building block in producing polymers, lubricants, and specialty chemicals.

In industrial applications, derivatives of 1-chlorodecane have relevance in the formulation of detergents, emulsifiers, and wetting agents, where the long hydrophobic chain contributes to surface activity. It can also be used in the preparation of organometallic reagents by reaction with metals such as magnesium (to form Grignard reagents), which then serve in carbon–carbon bond-forming reactions. Its use as a hydrophobic tail moiety in chemical synthesis is particularly significant in surfactant and ionic liquid development.

From a safety standpoint, 1-chlorodecane, like other chlorinated hydrocarbons, should be handled with care. It can act as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure may present health and environmental concerns due to its persistence and potential bioaccumulation. Standard laboratory safety protocols, including use of fume hoods and protective equipment, are necessary when working with this compound.

References

2022. Palladium-Catalyzed Hydrohalogenation. Synthesis, 54(8).
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1738046

2019. Photochemical Degradation. Environmental Pollution, 250.
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.065

2016. Viscosity Studies. High Temperature, 54(3).
DOI: 10.1134/s0018151x1606016x