1-Chlorotetradecane appears as a chlorinated alkane carrying a straight fourteen-carbon chain with a single chlorine atom at the first position. In labs or production lines, this compound usually comes in the form of a clear, oily liquid, though it can cool to a waxy solid under lower temperatures—these transitions matter for transport and storage because anyone working with bulk chemicals knows how much easier a free-flowing liquid proves compared to a stubborn, half-hardened mass. Each molecule holds a formula of C14H29Cl. The molar mass lands near 232.84 g/mol, a figure critical for order calculations and prepping solutions. Its density hovers around 0.86–0.88 g/cm³ (20°C), so it’s less dense than water, which might surprise someone picturing the heavier feel that chlorinated molecules sometimes carry.
The backbone of 1-Chlorotetradecane runs long and straight: a saturated hydrocarbon skeleton, capped with hydrogens, except where chlorine stands at the first carbon atom. This arrangement sets much of the product’s properties, influencing its ability to dissolve in various solvents and its fate in air, soil, or water. Chlorine’s presence contributes to a mild but distinctive odor—traces of which often linger even after personal protective gear gets removed. 1-Chlorotetradecane doesn’t mix well with water, but it blends nicely with most organic solvents. The chemical stays stable under typical storage and handling conditions, though it becomes a concern if someone applies too much heat, since toxic hydrochloric acid vapors could form and drift off into the workspace.
Depending on room temperature and container, 1-Chlorotetradecane arrives as a colourless to pale yellow liquid. It can shift to soft flakes or even waxy pearls when chilled—never quite clear crystals, not as brittle as some chlorinated aromatics, but still firm enough that breaking up a cold block with a spatula feels more like working with soap than ice. Powder forms don’t show up as often, mainly since this molecule wants to stick to itself rather than scatter fine dust. Keeping the substance in a liquid state often serves production needs best, avoiding unnecessary handling hurdles.
Looking purely at identifiers, 1-Chlorotetradecane holds one international HS (Harmonized System) code that steers customs clearance and global trade reporting: 2903.19. Its CAS number, a tag used by researchers and suppliers for exactness, is 4861-53-2. If you ask for purity from a reputable supplier, you’ll want upwards of 98 percent, free from shorter-chain contaminants, and low in acid content. This matters for anyone worried about trace reactivity or the risks of unwanted byproducts during chemical synthesis. Refractive index often falls around 1.448–1.450, another marker of proper manufacture.
The backbone of 1-Chlorotetradecane’s utility comes from its role as a raw material in making surfactants, lubricants, plasticizers, and specialty chemicals. In surfactant production, whether heading toward detergents or dispersants, the long carbon chain gives hydrophobic power, while the chlorine end offers chemical hooks for further reaction. Handling calls for training; plenty can go wrong if safety rules aren’t followed, even if someone’s working outside of large-scale industrial settings. Its flow characteristics and moderate melting point mean 1-Chlorotetradecane can slip easily into blending tanks, painted in between other hydrophobic molecules with little fuss.
Though not as dangerous as some more reactive chemicals, 1-Chlorotetradecane can harm health if proper controls fail. Direct inhalation of concentrated vapors can irritate eyes, nose, or throat, and long-term skin contact risks defatting or dermatitis—irritation any worker recognizes after wearing leaky gloves. Accidental release in water risks environmental buildup; the long chain and chlorine atom slow down biodegradation, which remains a nagging issue among regulators and anyone living near manufacturing corridors. MSDS sheets and strict signage make clear the material counts as hazardous. Proper ventilation, splash-resistant gloves, eye protection, and the right storage conditions—locked chemical cabinets, away from oxidizers—cut risk to reasonable levels.
Production of 1-Chlorotetradecane reflects a bigger trend in how specialty chemicals feed into dozens of downstream industries, from cleaning agents to advanced lubricants. The environmental and health questions around chlorinated compounds urge better monitoring and push for safer, greener routes—no simple job when the feedstocks tend toward persistent and sometimes harmful residues. Manufacturers tackling these problems often develop new catalytic processes or try enzymatic routes, trading off old legacy methods with high waste loads for more selective approaches that curb unwanted byproducts. Regulators nudge firms through stricter limits on allowable emissions and incentives for sustainable practices. For workers, education drives help cement the rules for PPE, spill response, and basic hygiene—regular reminders that even routine materials demand respect and vigilance.
