Chemists have long searched for durable and reactive intermediates for organic synthesis, and 1,8-dichlorooctane comes from a lineage of halogenated hydrocarbons studied throughout the twentieth century. The discovery of efficient chlorine addition to linear alkanes marked a big shift in how custom-length dihalides, like 1,8-dichlorooctane, could be made on a scale useful for both laboratories and industry. The compound’s use as a practical linker and reagent really began to grow once petrochemical processes matured and made long-chain alkanes widely available in the postwar era. Its presence in patents for novel synthetic routes during the chemical boom of the 1960s and 1970s shows just how valuable it became for creating specialty molecules and for research into macromolecular design. Seeing this development reminds me how foundational basic building blocks can be in shaping the tools available to chemists.
1,8-Dichlorooctane stands as an eight-carbon aliphatic compound with chlorine atoms at each terminal carbon, giving it strong functionality for follow-up chemistry. It often appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, noted for its faint, sweet odor common among medium-chain chlorinated derivatives. The product’s established place in organic synthesis arises from its two well-separated functional groups, which help in making cyclic or polymeric products. The right balance between chain length, reactivity, and solubility lands this compound squarely in the toolkits of those building new architectures, whether for research or more applied purposes. Anyone who’s tried to make straightforward linkers for custom molecules can appreciate how much a reliable dihalide simplifies setups and cuts down on troubleshooting.
As a liquid at room temperature, 1,8-dichlorooctane boasts a boiling point near 258°C, which means researchers get the benefit of manageable volatility combined with thermal stability. Its density, close to 1.05 g/cm³, keeps handling and transfer straightforward. The molecule resists significant water solubility, but dissolves in common organic solvents—an asset for those working with wide-ranging reaction conditions. The two terminal chlorines offer symmetrical reactivity, and this uniform substitution allows for predictable transformations. Chemical stability is strong under standard storage, except in the presence of strong bases or nucleophiles, where the compound behaves as expected for a primary alkyl chloride—open to substitution and elimination events.
Manufacturers typically deliver 1,8-dichlorooctane with detailed certificates of analysis, listing purity above 98%, maximum allowable levels for water (often below 0.5%), and limits for related halogenated byproducts. Identification must include hazard pictograms under GHS, signaling both flammability and potential for environmental harm. Lab bottles come labeled with batch numbers, expiration dates, and recommendations against storage near heat or reactive agents. I have relied on such rigorous labeling myself; any departure from standard can quickly lead to problems with trace impurities in sensitive syntheses. Standards for material safety data sheets keep everyone aware of toxicological profiles before use, especially since any oversight with chlorinated organics can be costly.
Production of 1,8-dichlorooctane often involves direct chlorination of n-octane or a two-stage process starting with 1,8-octanediol. The diol route sees diol conversion to the corresponding dihalide using reagents like thionyl chloride, phosphorus pentachloride, or concentrated hydrochloric acid. This approach offers high yields with good selectivity. Direct chlorination of n-octane requires careful control, with UV light or radical initiators, or specific catalysts, to secure terminal chlorination over less predictable side reactions. As someone who’s observed several batch runs, I’ve seen how variables like light exposure and reaction temperature can tip the balance between selectivity and over-chlorination. Operators invest heavily in process design and downstream purification to skim off unwanted products and minimize waste.
Practitioners use 1,8-dichlorooctane as a versatile alkylating agent, especially in the formation of macrocycles, crown ethers, and linear or crosslinked polymers. Nucleophilic substitution gives symmetric or asymmetric displacements; for example, reaction with sodium azide produces corresponding diazides, which then undergo reduction to diamines—a favorite route for making custom ligands. Reactions with strong bases, like potassium tert-butoxide, promote double elimination, generating 1,7-octadiene with surprising efficiency for such a simple molecule. One of the joys of organic synthesis comes from seeing such classic reactions open doors to functionalized materials and curiosity-driven modifications. Each synthetic step, though old in the text, still feels new in your own hands.
Literature refers to 1,8-dichlorooctane under several names, such as octamethylene dichloride, α,ω-dichlorooctane, and sometimes as 1,8-dihalo-octane. Custom suppliers may use catalog descriptors like DCO-8 or C8Cl2, which show up on order forms. Researchers tend to check product codes closely for clarity, since structural isomers with mid-chain chlorines exist and have different profiles. The right identification prevents costly mix-ups, both for procurement teams and research groups working on time-sensitive projects.
1,8-Dichlorooctane, as a chlorinated hydrocarbon, brings both acute and chronic risks. Short-term exposure can lead to irritation of skin and eyes; vapor inhalation, while less common due to low volatility, still poses risks with inadequate ventilation. Chronic exposure worries industrial hygienists because intermittent contact adds up over time. Regulatory bodies like OSHA and the EU REACH program demand rigorous industrial hygiene practices, including closed handling systems, chemical-resistant gloves, and storage in inert conditions. Having worked in labs where such standards went ignored, I’ve seen how small lapses multiply over a project’s lifetime—something good training and culture can offset. Disposal calls for specialist contractors since environmental release can damage aquatic life and bioaccumulate.
This compound enjoys a niche in the synthesis of advanced polymers, macrocyclic ligands, surfactants, and even pharmaceuticals, where it acts either as a linker or a precursor. Polymer chemists reach for it when they need alkyl chains to tune mechanical or thermal properties in specialty materials. Coordination chemists value its ability to bridge metal centers, producing compounds with tailored electronic and structural properties. In a teaching lab, circular permutants or imported custom monomers start with a compound like this, helping students see textbook chemistry played out with their own hands. Specialty applications reach as far as custom lipids and functionalized nanomaterials.
Ongoing R&D explores the boundaries of what 1,8-dichlorooctane can do as a spacer in molecular electronics, advanced membranes, and designer surfactants. As the world pivots toward greener chemistry, teams search for milder or less hazardous routes for introducing halogens or replacing them selectively, spurred by both regulatory pressure and genuine scientific curiosity. Teams collaborating across disciplines—from polymer physics to medicinal chemistry—use tailored dichloroalkanes to probe function, stability, and reactivity in ways simple hydrocarbon chains cannot provide. The number of published studies shows steady growth, underscoring both scientific and commercial drives to keep improving what this class of molecules can offer to foundational research.
Toxicology has focused on both acute and chronic risks. Animal studies show moderate toxicity via oral and inhalation routes, with symptoms ranging from central nervous system depression to liver and kidney stress. Evidence for carcinogenicity remains inconclusive, but strong precaution guides its handling and disposal. Environmental studies demonstrate that even low-level runoff can harm aquatic organisms, making closed-system handling an industry standard. Regulations grow stricter each year, mirroring findings from new research on long-term exposure. Despite these challenges, chemists continue investigating ways to engineer less persistent or less hazardous analogs, aiming for the same utility with reduced risk.
Efficiency pressures, environmental regulations, and new chemical frontiers collectively shape what comes next for 1,8-dichlorooctane. Enhanced process design could soon make the synthesis cleaner and less energy-intensive, or open new catalytic pathways for milder preparation. Demand from next-gen electronics, smart materials, and green solvents could inspire fresh derivatives based on this reliable backbone. Nearly every development pushes those working with the compound to adapt—either by finding new ways to use it more safely, or by creating improved replacements that raise fewer long-term concerns. The path forward, shaped by history and ingenuity, offers space for both prudence and invention, and the lessons learned from experience continue to guide responsible use in an evolving chemical world.
1,8-Dichlorooctane rarely pops up in everyday conversation, but this clear liquid quietly ends up inside the labs and factories behind much of today’s manufacturing. Chemists count on it as a reliable building block—a sort of molecular puzzle piece that helps them stick together longer chains of carbon atoms. The backbone this compound shapes gets tucked into specialty plastics and chemicals, often for industries that need materials to last under tough conditions.
Many organic chemists turn to 1,8-Dichlorooctane for simple, practical reasons. It carries two chlorine atoms, each at the far ends of an eight-carbon string. This unique shape lets it snap into place during reactions, preparing the way for more complex molecules. For example, it often turns up as a starting point for making advanced polymers or surfactants. These products keep their properties even when exposed to heat or strong cleaning agents, something countless manufacturers need for car parts, pipes, or coatings.
Research labs keep 1,8-Dichlorooctane on hand both for its reactive properties and for its role as a solvent. This means it sometimes helps dissolve other compounds during tests or synthesis runs, especially those molecules that don’t play well with water. A university chemistry department might use it to push reactions further or control the structure of experimental chemicals. Specialized fields like pharmaceuticals or agrochemicals gravitate toward such reagents to design molecules for new drugs or crop treatments.
The chemical world doesn’t run without risks, though. Chlorinated hydrocarbons—this class includes 1,8-Dichlorooctane—carry some baggage. They stick around in the environment, and accidents can lead to spills or leaks. Some similar compounds have been linked to toxic effects, including potential harm to aquatic animals. Over the years, watchdogs like the EPA have kept a close eye on this group, pushing for tighter controls and better waste management plans. Safety sheets flag 1,8-Dichlorooctane as harmful if breathed or if it touches skin for long. People who work in factories using this chemical need solid training, gloves that don’t leak, and good ventilation. Responsible disposal keeps these chemicals out of waterways and soil, making local communities safer.
Better practices already make a difference. Chemical firms now spend real money on containment, better storage drums, and full safety reviews. Engineers design processes to use smaller amounts, cut waste, and swap out tough legacy substances where possible. Newer green chemistry approaches push for alternatives that break down easier in nature instead of lingering for years without decomposing. Regulators can keep hazards at bay, but innovation often comes from those working with the risks day in and day out—chemists, plant managers, young researchers testing new routes on the bench.
I’ve seen firsthand how one smart adjustment at a plant—like switching a valve or updating a ventilation system—reduces the odds of exposure from compounds like 1,8-Dichlorooctane. Training teams to spot leaks and react quickly makes more difference than any policy gathering dust on a shelf. Real progress depends on experience, not just instructions. Transparent records and honest communication inside companies always pay off in the long run, especially when families live near these industrial sites.
Materials like 1,8-Dichlorooctane will keep playing a role in chemistry and industry. The smartest thing anyone can do is stay curious, push for safer processes, and keep talking about the impact these substances can have—on our work, health, and environment.
1,8-Dichlorooctane looks simple on paper, but it opens up a world of possibility in the lab. Its formula is C8H16Cl2. For many, that string of letters and numbers just whizzes by. For those who have spent time in a chemistry classroom or around a research bench, formulas like this tell stories. Every element, every number, represents something physical, maybe even something a professional has spilled on their glove on a long afternoon.
Getting the formula right matters. It’s like finding the right size socket for a stubborn bolt—miss by a millimeter and you’re just spinning your wheels. I remember the first time I tried to synthesize a compound by reading a paper and mixed up a single digit in the formula. The result was less than impressive—and nobody in the lab let me forget it. Precision prevents wasted resources and time. For chemists working on pharmaceuticals, polymers, or environmental science, precise formulas can avoid expensive setbacks or health risks.
1,8-Dichlorooctane has two chlorine atoms, one placed on each end of an eight-carbon chain. This structure means the compound works as a valuable intermediary, especially for making polymers and specialized molecules. The chlorines give synthetic chemists convenient points of attachment—almost like handles on a suitcase—making it easier to build more complex structures.
For instance, this kind of molecule shows up in the manufacture of specialty plastics and in some studies related to surfactants and coatings. Sometimes, connecting long-chain chlorinated hydrocarbons links parts of a material that needs resistance to harsh environments. A few years ago, a friend in industrial chemistry told me how small tweaks—like swapping one compound out for another—can make the difference between a finished product passing or failing quality tests. That’s true in areas from adhesives to biomedicine.
Chlorinated alkanes—like 1,8-dichlorooctane—don’t always have the cleanest reputation. Persistent chemicals with halogens can turn up in drinking water or soils, especially near manufacturing plants. Many old sites still wrestle with cleanup from decades ago, and science continues to find better ways to break down these pollutants.
One fact that sticks with me comes from watching a rural community deal with groundwater contamination. What starts as a technical issue in a lab can ripple out, affecting real people. The importance of balancing industrial progress and environmental safety runs deep. In today’s research, every new compound deserves a look at its whole lifecycle—from synthesis to disposal.
Facing environmental challenges tied to chlorinated organics, research teams look for greener chemistry every day. Some approaches focus on using less hazardous starting materials; others use catalysts or biological treatments to break down residues. Smart regulation helps, but it's real-world vigilance—by companies, public health agencies, and communities—that keeps risks in check.
It helps when everyone in the chain, from student to senior scientist, sees a molecule not just as a formula to memorize but as something with real consequences. That mindset shift raises the standard for safety and brings better results for everyone involved—from manufacturers and engineers to consumers and neighbors living near an industrial site.
Anyone who’s spent time around chemicals knows that a liquid like 1,8-Dichlorooctane doesn’t belong on a shelf next to dish soap or drinking water. This substance smells harsh and packs enough risk in one bottle to make you rethink using it without precautions. Storing it wrong can mean burns, accidental poisonings, or a call to the hazmat team. Health and safety rules come from real experiences—people who’ve handled this chloroalkane the wrong way and paid the price.
Even a quick look at a safety data sheet tells you this compound hurts skin, eyes, lungs—the whole works. Vapors in a closed room make it hard to breathe, and a spill seeping into a glove can cause severe irritation. People who let it mix with incompatible substances have seen fires or harmful reactions. Years ago, a co-worker of mine tried to pour it down a drain. The fumes forced us out, and he needed medical attention. It comes down to respect for the chemical and those who have to work in the same space.
Leaving 1,8-Dichlorooctane out on a bench, letting caps stay loose, or stuffing bottles onto crowded shelves guarantees problems, not just safety violations. Secure storage means using proper containers—usually amber glass or heavy-duty plastic, with tight-fitting lids. Anything less risks leaks, evaporation, or accidental spills. A locked flammable storage cabinet, away from sunlight and any source of heat, gives this chemical as much security as a volatile liquid deserves.
Label every container clearly, not in faded ink or shorthand only lab veterans understand. The label should spell out hazard warnings and handling instructions, so even a visitor or new technician can understand the risks. Keep compatible materials together and keep strong oxidizers, acids, and open flames at a distance. My old lab had a simple rule: if you couldn’t carry it without looking down at your hands the whole way, get a second set of gloves and a face shield, or ask for help.
Ventilation often gets overlooked. A flammable storage cabinet should vent outside or at least hold back vapors from leaking into the workspace. Every time I’ve passed up this advice, headaches and sore throats soon followed—nobody needs that after a long shift. Spills call for real absorbents, not just paper towels. I’ve watched teams scramble because the spill kit was missing or packed away; preparation always beats panic.
Far too many accidents happen because someone wasn’t shown the ropes or skipped the safety lecture. If you handle 1,8-Dichlorooctane, watch at least one demonstration on proper transfer, storage, and emergency clean-up. Share close calls and lessons—the sort of experience that keeps everyone sharp and spreads actual know-how.
Rules come from real-world trouble, not bureaucracy. The “it won’t happen to me” crowd doesn’t last long in labs or warehouses. Respect the risks with this kind of chemical, invest in good storage setup, and train everyone—then you’ve shown real care not just for your work, but for the people around you.
Anyone who’s spent time around industrial chemicals learns quickly: pay attention to every label. 1,8-Dichlorooctane asks for this kind of respect. As a chlorinated alkane, this oily liquid brings an unpleasant, sharp odor and a basket of risks that can’t be ignored. Even before you read through safety data sheets, a whiff of its sharp scent makes it clear—this isn’t a bottle to treat lightly.
Contact with skin causes redness and possible chemical burns. Breathing vapors opens the door to headaches, dizziness, or even more severe central nervous system issues with prolonged exposure. This isn’t something to handle without proper gloves or eye protection. It might seem like a routine solvent or reagent to chemists and workers, but the health dangers run deep.
Over the years, I’ve seen mistakes from taking short-cuts in the lab—skipping over the fume hood, not double-checking that gloves don’t have pinholes. 1,8-Dichlorooctane punishes that kind of carelessness. The liquid turns to vapor easily enough at room temperature, spreading through air. Inhalation leads to irritation of the nose, throat, and lungs. Chronic exposure brings long-term worries, including possible liver or kidney damage. These organs work hard to remove toxins, and continuous low-level exposure adds up. None of this ever feels theoretical when someone coughs or gets red-faced after a spill.
Flammability may not top the list compared to some solvents, but it’s still a risk. A high enough concentration of vapor, an ignition source, and there’s potential for a fire. I’ve witnessed labs run drills for this very scenario, and in industry, alarms get tested for good reason. Even a small amount released outside can hurt local wildlife—chlorinated compounds linger in water and soil, building up in the food chain. Studies warn about the persistence of these chemicals and the way they harm aquatic species.
Staying safe starts with the right training. Everyone on a site deserves to recognize the sharp odor that hints at 1,8-Dichlorooctane, to know how it feels when skin comes into contact, and to reach for chemical-resistant gloves and goggles every time. Fume hoods, eye wash stations, and showers should be functional and regularly checked. I remember an incident when a faulty eye wash almost turned a splash into something much worse. This kind of equipment saves injuries—provided it’s ready for action.
No chemical storage works well without good labeling and secondary containers. Proper ventilation matters. No one wants to rely on a stuffy, aging air exchange system. Hazard communication training isn’t a box to check on a compliance form; it’s the thing standing between a normal shift and a trip to the emergency room.
If companies source safer alternatives, that’s progress for both workers and the environment. For those who must handle 1,8-Dichlorooctane, setting clear protocols, using PPE, and reviewing emergency steps before each shift keeps risks contained. Regular air quality checks and up-to-date safety data bring peace of mind. Sharing real incidents—close calls and lessons learned—shapes better habits. Chemical safety grows from respect and constant vigilance, not just paperwork. The value comes in keeping people healthy and the community safe from contamination that could linger for years.
Many overlook the small details in chemical handling, yet those numbers on a safety data sheet can save time, effort, and sometimes much more. 1,8-Dichlorooctane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, has a boiling point of about 265°C (509°F). This figure didn’t just show up by accident. Chemists and engineers sweat over these details, using everything from simple thermometers to sophisticated distillation setups to make sure the value holds steady batch after batch. For anyone working in a synthetic lab, knowing this boiling point means knowing when to collect your distillate and when to switch out your receiving flask. Miss that window, and whole days can disappear, along with your sample.
Organic chemistry always involves juggling a mix of compounds with different boiling points. Add a chlorinated compound like 1,8-Dichlorooctane, and things get trickier. My first time distilling a chlorinated octane, I remember wrestling with glassware coated in a fine film of oily residue. I learned fast that running the distillation at too high a temperature brings decomposition, especially for longer-chain molecules with halogen atoms. The boiling point tells you almost everything you need: when to heat, how to protect your sample from oxidation, and when to start collecting your fraction—this is the difference between clean separation and a ruined flask.
1,8-Dichlorooctane crops up in polymer science and specialty manufacturing as a building block. Its relatively high boiling point compared to many short-chain chemicals can be a blessing and a curse. Run a reaction or purification step above 265°C and you’re rolling the dice on product quality and worker safety. Laboratories rely on precise boiling points to plan safe protocols. Skip this, and you risk both the outcome and the health of everyone in the room. I’ve watched junior chemists get tripped up by small errors—a thermometer not fully inserted, a heating mantel cranked up on faith—resulting in wasted hours and headache-inducing vapors.
Having current, reliable data on boiling points isn’t some kind of extra. Published values offer a first check, but nothing beats running a gentle, hands-on test with a calibrated thermometer. Supervisors and teachers need to push for these habits: check your apparatus for leaks, use digital temperature probes, keep fume hoods clear and uncluttered. Chemistry doesn’t forgive guesswork, especially at temperatures that flirt with the limits of your equipment. With 1,8-Dichlorooctane, I keep the bottle tightly capped and out of direct sunlight, since chlorinated compounds can degrade or even form harmful byproducts under careless storage.
The humble boiling point highlights a bigger conversation about lab culture: do we just recite numbers from a chart, or take the time to really know what those figures mean for our work and safety? Years of lab experience taught me that real knowledge means bridging data and intuition. The next time a technician reaches for that bottle of 1,8-Dichlorooctane, I hope they see more than just a boiling point. They see a reminder—precision, protection, progress. That’s how chemistry moves forward, one careful measurement at a time.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1,8-dichlorooctane |
| Other names |
Octamethylene chloride
1,8-Dichlorooctane Octane, 1,8-dichloro- n-Octylene chloride |
| Pronunciation | /ˈwʌn.eɪt daɪˈklɔːr.oʊˌɒk.teɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 2162-98-3 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCCCCCC(Cl)CCCl` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1503581 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:89017 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL16262 |
| ChemSpider | 12256 |
| DrugBank | DB12884 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.019.161 |
| EC Number | 203-717-2 |
| Gmelin Reference | 71653 |
| KEGG | C14156 |
| MeSH | D003994 |
| PubChem CID | 12481 |
| RTECS number | RG2450000 |
| UNII | Q94JL8M754 |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID0020608 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C8H16Cl2 |
| Molar mass | 207.07 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.98 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.014 mmHg (25°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.24 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: -3.2 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.73e-6 cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.462 |
| Viscosity | 2.25 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.20 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 354.0 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -267.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -5630.7 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS06,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P261, P264, P271, P301+P312, P304+P340, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | Health: 2, Flammability: 2, Instability: 0, Special: - |
| Flash point | > 108 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 245 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.9–6.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Lethal dose or concentration (LD50, oral, rat): 2610 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 5330 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | SN8750000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | IDLH: 25 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1,7-Dichloroheptane
1,9-Dichlorononane 1,6-Dichlorohexane 1,8-Dibromooctane 1,8-Diiodooctane |
