20Aug 2020 by Vincent Summers No Comments

What’s the Difference Between Wax and Paraffin?

Chemistry, Language
[caption id="attachment_28810" align="alignright" width="480"] Not paraffin... Bees wax candles.[/caption]What's the Difference Between Wax and Paraffin? Waxes and paraffin would seem to refer to the same thing, and perhaps to some extent, the words are used interchangeably. In fact, paraffin is sometimes called paraffin wax or petroleum wax. Nevertheless, technically, they are different, and the difference should interest us. Let's begin with what a wax is. Waxes Waxes are esters1 of a long-chain alcohol2 (12 to 32 carbon atoms) with a fatty acid. One example of a long-chain alcohol is lauryl alcohol (CH3(CH2)11OH). But what is a fatty acid? A fatty acid is (typically) a carboxylic acid that has a long carbon chain3. One example is palmitic acid (CH3(CH2)14COOH). Palmitic acid is a saturated4 fatty acid. Some fatty acids are unsaturated.…
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10Aug 2019 by Vincent Summers 1 Comment

Organic Ozonides – How They Form, How They React

Chemistry
As you might guess, organic ozonides may be derived from ozone. So let's first consider the nature of ozone. The ozone molecule, O3 is bent and unstable. It is polarized and is quick to react with unsaturated molecules, notably alkenes and alkynes. The image provided illustrates the result. What, however, is the mechanism producing the result in a typical case?¹ Initially, all three oxygen molecules add to the alkene on the same side of what was previously a double bond. This structure, however, is a transient intermediate, which rearranges to form the ozonide structure. Ozonides are relatively stable. However, they can be readily split to yield a pair of carbonyl compounds. Organic Ozonides in Synthesis Some ozonides are explosive, so they are seldom isolated. However, ozonides can be made to…
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17Jan 2018 by Vincent Summers 3 Comments

What Went Wrong? Preparing an Alkyl Halide

Chemistry, Entertainment
[caption id="attachment_18523" align="alignright" width="440"] Reflux and distillation apparatus.[/caption] Preparing an alkyl halide was one of the earliest of my home lab experiences. First, allow me to give you a little background. In the 8th grade, we were instructed by our English teacher, Mrs. Best, to write a career report about our intended future employment. My guess is most of us had not thought about that. At least I hadn't. So I chose astronomy. I mentioned this to Mom. "No," she said, "you will not become an astronomer. Astronomers don't make any money." I tried to talk her out of it, but eventually I gave up. "Chemistry," I said. Mom agreed that was acceptable. One of her friends had a chemistry background. So in the '70s I obtained my BS in…
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17Nov 2014 by Vincent Summers No Comments

Keto Enol Tautomerism

Chemistry
Is the term keto enol tautomerism familiar to you? If not, give attention to the ensuing discussion. Organic chemistry would be of no value if not for multiple bonds and functional groups.  Such groups impart the reactivity needed to sustain life. One attachment is carbonyl (–C=O). Tautomerism Given the right environment, atoms of a carbonyl group tautomerize. That is, they can exchange a proton (hydrogen). In so doing a π-bond is formed or disappears. The carbonyl or keto form assumes the alkene-alcohol or enol form, or vice versa. For acetone, the two forms are, CH3–(C=O)–CH3 keto form CH2=C(OH)–CH3 enol form See the image above. [sc name="MidArticleAdsense"] Both Aldehydes and Ketones Participate A ketone has its carbonyl carbon atom linked to two other carbon atoms. An aldehyde has its carbonyl carbon…
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19Mar 2014 by Vincent Summers 2 Comments

Alcohol Protonation: Synthesis Intermediate

Chemistry
[caption id="attachment_20866" align="alignright" width="440"] Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols.[/caption] What is alcohol protonation? An alcohol is an organic compound. Some examples are ethanol (ethyl alcohol), isopropyl alcohol, and t-butyl alcohol. They have the generic chemical formula ROH. H is hydrogen, O is oxygen, and R is any aliphatic (carbon chain) group. Alcohols are important organic synthetic reagents. During a reaction process, alcohols may be protonated by mineral acids.¹ Alcohol protonation is the adding of a proton. Ethanol, for instance, protonates accordingly, C₂H₅-OH + H⁺ → C₂H₅-OH₂⁺ Notice from the protonated structure that the final three atoms closely resemble water (H₂O). Water is quite stable. Thus, it is a “good leaving group.” What remains is a carbocation. It should be noted is the charge is now not on the oxygen atom.…
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