Long-chain epoxides are an important class of specialty organic compounds used as versatile building blocks in chemical synthesis and materials-related applications. Their combination of a reactive three-membered epoxide ring and a relatively long hydrocarbon chain provides a useful balance between chemical reactivity and hydrophobic character.

Among these compounds, 1,2-Epoxydodecane, CAS No. 2855-19-8, is a representative long-chain aliphatic epoxide. It is also known by names such as 1-Dodecene oxide, Decyloxirane, 1,2-Dodecane oxide, and Oxirane, decyl-. NIST identifies the substance as Oxirane, decyl-, with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₄O and molecular weight approximately 184.32 g/mol.

Unlike highly substituted aromatic intermediates used in pharmaceutical synthesis, 1,2-Epoxydodecane is primarily valuable because of its relatively simple molecular architecture and reactive epoxide functionality.

For chemical manufacturers, researchers, and industrial buyers, understanding its structure, properties, reactivity, and potential applications is important when evaluating this specialty chemical.

1. What Is 1,2-Epoxydodecane?

1,2-Epoxydodecane is a long-chain aliphatic epoxide containing a three-membered oxirane ring at the terminal position of a twelve-carbon chain.

Basic Product Information

NIST lists the compound under the systematic name Oxirane, decyl- and confirms the formula C₁₂H₂₄O and molecular weight of approximately 184.3184.

Commercial chemical references also identify 1,2-Epoxydodecane as a liquid material. Sigma-Aldrich, for example, reports a density of approximately 0.844 g/mL at 25°C, a refractive index of approximately 1.436, and a boiling point around 124–125°C at 15 mmHg.

Because specifications can vary by grade and supplier, buyers should always confirm the current specification, purity, analytical data, and storage requirements with the manufacturer before placing an order.

2. Understanding the Chemistry Behind 1,2-Epoxydodecane

The most important structural feature of 1,2-Epoxydodecane is its epoxide ring.

An epoxide is a three-membered cyclic ether containing an oxygen atom. Because of the ring’s geometric strain, epoxides are generally more reactive than conventional open-chain ethers.

This makes 1,2-Epoxydodecane particularly interesting as a chemical building block.

The molecule can essentially be viewed as having two different functional regions:

Reactive region

→ Three-membered epoxide ring

Hydrophobic region

→ Long C₁₀ alkyl substituent

This combination provides a useful platform for reactions in which the epoxide ring undergoes ring-opening or other transformations while the long hydrocarbon chain remains part of the resulting molecule.

3. Why Long-Chain Epoxides Are Chemically Useful

The usefulness of long-chain epoxides comes from the combination of reactivity and molecular architecture.

Reactive Epoxide Functionality

The strained epoxide ring can undergo reactions with various nucleophiles under appropriate conditions.

Depending on the reaction system, epoxide ring-opening chemistry can be used to introduce:

Hydroxyl groups

Amino groups

Ether linkages

Other functional groups

This makes epoxides valuable intermediates in organic synthesis.

Long Hydrophobic Chain

The long alkyl portion contributes hydrophobic characteristics to the molecule and to derivatives generated from it.

Consequently, long-chain epoxides can be useful when chemists need to introduce a relatively long hydrocarbon segment into a target molecule.

Simple Molecular Structure

Compared with highly functionalized pharmaceutical intermediates, 1,2-Epoxydodecane has a relatively straightforward structure.

This can make it attractive for applications where the epoxide functionality itself is the primary reason for selecting the compound.

4. Reactivity of 1,2-Epoxydodecane

The central chemical behavior of 1,2-Epoxydodecane is associated with the epoxide ring.

Under suitable reaction conditions, nucleophiles can attack the strained ring, resulting in ring-opening reactions.

The exact reaction pathway depends on factors such as:

Nucleophile type

Catalyst

Solvent

Temperature

Reaction time

Concentration

Desired product structure

This means that 1,2-Epoxydodecane should not simply be viewed as a finished functional material. It can also serve as a reactive precursor for further chemical synthesis.

For process chemists, this characteristic creates opportunities to use the compound as a starting point for preparing more structurally complex long-chain molecules.

5. Potential Applications of 1,2-Epoxydodecane

Because applications depend heavily on purity, process design, and downstream chemistry, it is more accurate to describe 1,2-Epoxydodecane as a specialty chemical building block and laboratory/industrial synthesis intermediate rather than assigning it to one single end-use market.

Organic Synthesis

The epoxide ring provides a useful reaction site for developing functionalized long-chain compounds.

Researchers can exploit epoxide ring-opening chemistry to introduce additional functional groups while retaining the C₁₀ hydrocarbon segment.

Specialty Chemical Development

Long-chain epoxides can be investigated as starting materials for specialty molecules where both hydrophobic and reactive characteristics are required.

Materials Chemistry

Epoxide chemistry is widely relevant to polymer and materials research. Depending on the formulation and reaction system, epoxide-containing molecules can participate in reactions that introduce long hydrocarbon segments into larger molecular structures.

However, application suitability should always be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because performance depends on the final formulation and the required technical specifications.

Research and Process Development

1,2-Epoxydodecane is also suitable for laboratory research and synthetic chemistry where a long-chain terminal epoxide is required.

Commercial SDS information identifies laboratory and analytical use among the relevant uses for the substance.

6. 1,2-Epoxydodecane vs. 1,2-Epoxydecane

For buyers searching for long-chain epoxide products, one common source of confusion is the similarity between 1,2-Epoxydodecane and 1,2-Epoxydecane.

They are related compounds, but they are not the same substance.

1,2-Epoxydodecane

CAS No.: 2855-19-8

Molecular formula:

C₁₂H₂₄O

Molecular weight:

184.32 g/mol

1,2-Epoxydecane

CAS No.: 2404-44-6

Molecular formula:

C₁₀H₂₀O

Molecular weight:

156.27 g/mol

The two compounds belong to the same general family of terminal long-chain epoxides, but they contain different carbon-chain lengths.

This difference can influence:

Molecular weight

Hydrophobicity

Physical properties

Reaction-product characteristics

Final material performance

Therefore, customers should always specify the exact chemical name and CAS number when requesting quotations or technical documentation.

SHLZ Pharma also provides 1,2-Epoxydecane CAS No. 2404-44-6 as a related product, making it possible for customers to evaluate different chain-length options according to their synthetic requirements.

7. Why CAS Accuracy Matters in Chemical Procurement

In international chemical procurement, similar chemical names can easily lead to incorrect product selection.

For example:

1,2-Epoxydodecane

CAS 2855-19-8

should not be confused with:

1,2-Epoxydecane

CAS 2404-44-6

or with other long-chain epoxides such as 1,2-Epoxyoctane, 1,2-Epoxytetradecane, or 1,2-Epoxyhexadecane.

This is why professional chemical purchasing should verify at least three identifiers:

Chemical name

CAS number

Molecular formula

For regulated or quality-sensitive applications, buyers should additionally request:

Certificate of Analysis

SDS

Specification sheet

Batch information

Purity data

Packaging information

This approach helps minimize the risk of purchasing the wrong chain-length derivative.

8. Quality Considerations for 1,2-Epoxydodecane

For a reactive specialty chemical such as 1,2-Epoxydodecane, product quality can affect downstream reaction performance.

Important quality indicators may include:

Assay or Purity

Higher purity can help reduce unwanted side reactions in synthesis.

Moisture Control

Epoxides can be sensitive to reaction conditions involving water and other nucleophilic species. Appropriate handling and storage are therefore important.

Impurity Profile

Residual starting materials or side products may influence downstream reactions.

Batch Consistency

For repeated manufacturing processes, consistent chemical properties are more valuable than a single high-quality batch.

Storage and Packaging

The material should be stored and handled according to the applicable SDS and supplier specification.

A current Thermo Fisher SDS identifies 1,2-Epoxydodecane as a liquid and notes that it is moisture sensitive; the SDS also identifies skin and eye irritation hazards and potential respiratory irritation.

Therefore, customers should review the supplier’s latest SDS before handling the product and ensure that appropriate workplace controls are in place.

9. Why Choose SHLZ Pharma for 1,2-Epoxydodecane?

For customers purchasing specialty chemicals internationally, reliable supply is often as important as the chemical itself.

SHLZ Pharma provides pharmaceutical intermediates and specialty chemical products for international customers and focuses on consistent product quality, responsive communication, and flexible supply.

For 1,2-Epoxydodecane, key supplier considerations include:

Consistent Product Quality

Stable specifications help customers maintain reproducible downstream processes.

Flexible Supply

Different projects may require different quantities, from research-scale material to larger production requirements.

Technical Communication

Clear communication regarding specifications, packaging, storage, and analytical documentation helps customers evaluate the material efficiently.

Related Product Availability

SHLZ Pharma can also supply related long-chain epoxide products, including 1,2-Epoxydecane CAS No. 2404-44-6, allowing customers to compare structurally related products from the same supplier.

International Logistics

For overseas customers, appropriate packaging, documentation, and logistics coordination are essential parts of reliable chemical supply.

10. How to Select the Right Long-Chain Epoxide

Before purchasing a long-chain epoxide, buyers should first determine what role the compound will play in the intended process.

Step 1: Define the Required Carbon Chain

Do you need a C₁₀, C₁₂, C₁₄, or another chain length?

Step 2: Confirm the Epoxide Position

Terminal epoxides and internally substituted epoxides can exhibit different reaction behavior.

Step 3: Define Purity Requirements

Research applications may have different requirements from process or commercial production.

Step 4: Review Compatibility

Evaluate the chemical’s compatibility with the intended reaction conditions and downstream process.

Step 5: Confirm Documentation

Request the appropriate SDS, COA, specification, and technical information before purchase.

This systematic approach helps chemical buyers avoid selecting a product based only on a similar name.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CAS number of 1,2-Epoxydodecane?

The CAS number of 1,2-Epoxydodecane is 2855-19-8. NIST lists the compound as Oxirane, decyl-.

What is the molecular formula of 1,2-Epoxydodecane?

Its molecular formula is C₁₂H₂₄O, with a molecular weight of approximately 184.32 g/mol.

What are the other names for 1,2-Epoxydodecane?

Common synonyms include 1-Dodecene oxide, Decyloxirane, 1,2-Dodecane oxide, 1,2-Dodecene oxide, Decyl oxirane, and Oxirane, decyl-.

Is 1,2-Epoxydodecane the same as 1,2-Epoxydecane?

No. 1,2-Epoxydodecane is CAS 2855-19-8, while 1,2-Epoxydecane is CAS 2404-44-6. They are homologous long-chain epoxides with different carbon-chain lengths.

What is 1,2-Epoxydodecane used for?

It can be used as a reactive building block in organic synthesis and as a research or specialty chemical intermediate. Specific applications depend on the downstream chemistry and product specifications.

How should 1,2-Epoxydodecane be handled?

It should be handled according to the latest applicable SDS and supplier instructions. Available SDS information identifies it as moisture sensitive and reports skin and eye irritation hazards as well as potential respiratory irritation.

Conclusion

1,2-Epoxydodecane (CAS No. 2855-19-8) is a long-chain terminal epoxide characterized by the combination of a reactive oxirane ring and a hydrophobic C₁₀ alkyl segment. With the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₄O and molecular weight of approximately 184.32 g/mol, it provides a useful platform for organic synthesis and specialty chemical development.

Its epoxide functionality enables further chemical transformation, while the long hydrocarbon chain can introduce hydrophobic characteristics into downstream molecules. This combination makes 1,2-Epoxydodecane a useful building block for research and process development.

For customers comparing long-chain epoxides, it is important to distinguish 1,2-Epoxydodecane CAS 2855-19-8 from related products such as 1,2-Epoxydecane CAS 2404-44-6. Confirming the exact CAS number, molecular formula, purity, and technical specification is essential for reliable chemical procurement.

SHLZ Pharma provides 1,2-Epoxydodecane and related specialty chemical products to international customers, supporting research, process development, and customized sourcing requirements with professional technical communication and reliable supply.