Looking back, 1-Chlorotetradecane comes from a tradition of chemists searching for reliable building blocks for both research and industrial projects. Alkyl chlorides have been in the toolbox since the late 1800s, with early documentation showing chemists like Victor Grignard taking advantage of the carbon-halogen bond’s reactivity. Over time, the chemical industry learned that longer carbon chains paired with chlorine could serve as starting points for detergents, intermediates, and specialty additives. The specific focus on tetradecane derivatives gained attention during the second half of the twentieth century, sparked by surfactant research and the ever-present drive for more efficient processes in manufacturing. Today, 1-Chlorotetradecane shows up in catalogs with a sense of legacy—a small echo from years of organic synthesis ambition.
At a glance, 1-Chlorotetradecane is an organic molecule with a long chain structure, a total of fourteen carbon atoms, capped on one end with a chlorine. It belongs to the broader group known as alkyl chlorides—molecules seen in labs and factories examining everything from lubricants to chemical conversions. Most suppliers package it as a colorless or faintly yellow liquid, and it sits on shelves waiting for use in reactions, surfactant studies, or fine-tuned chemical engineering. Customers shopping for reagents in this category expect a product that behaves predictably across a range of synthetic and formulation challenges, often relying on chemical catalogs to stay consistent batch after batch.
1-Chlorotetradecane usually appears as a clear, oily liquid, with a boiling point hovering around 287°C. It’s a dense substance, heavier than many hydrocarbons with similar chain lengths, thanks to the single chlorine atom weighing down the structure. The chemical holds its own against air and light, resisting oxidation under room temperature storage conditions. Solubility-wise, it mixes well with most non-polar organic solvents, dodges water, and demonstrates low volatility at ambient temperature. Odor is faint, only noticeable upon close inspection—consistent with longer chain haloalkanes. It stands out due to its relatively high refractive index for an alkyl chloride, pointing to the heavier atom included in its backbone.
Bottles and drums labeled as 1-Chlorotetradecane follow clear technical standards. Chemists expect to see purity exceeding 97%, with gas chromatography used to confirm minimal secondary impurities. Labels must display the CAS number (112-52-7), batch lot, net weight, manufacturer, and hazard notes about flammability or skin irritation. Some vendors provide SDS sheets detailing transport and storage recommendations, flagging the chemical as a marine pollutant in bulk shipments. Labels also mention shelf-life—generally at least two years in tightly sealed containers at room temperature. In this area, explicit documentation makes handling and compliance easier for both new researchers and those with decades of experience.
Most commercial batches of 1-Chlorotetradecane start with pure tetradecanol or tetradecane. The common lab method involves reacting tetradecanol with thionyl chloride (SOCl2) or phosphorus trichloride (PCl3), both strong chlorinating agents. After the exothermic reaction stabilizes, simple distillation separates out the desired product. Scale-up requires more controls to avoid side-product formation and environmental hazards. Some facilities offset costs with continuous-flow reactors, which cut energy consumption and limit waste stream. Home chemistry setups or teaching labs rarely handle runs more than a few hundred grams, due to the need for sturdy ventilation and careful handling of by-products like sulfur dioxide or phosphonic acid.
This molecule stands out for its reliable reactivity at the terminal carbon. Chemists often transform 1-Chlorotetradecane into a wide array of derivatives—amines, ethers, nitriles—by plugging in different nucleophiles under basic or acidic conditions. For example, simple substitution reactions with sodium cyanide give way to nitrile production, which opens the door to further functionalization down the road. Grignard reactions use the alkyl chloride as a source of carbon for metallic intermediates. On the industrial scale, the structure serves as a pivot for surfactant synthesis, where ethoxylation and sulfonation reactions generate compounds that form the backbone of liquid detergents and emulsifiers.
Chemists flip between calling this chemical 1-Chlorotetradecane, n-Tetradecyl chloride, or simply Tetradecyl chloride. Other listings crop up using “chlorinated tetradecane,” or for shorthand, C14H29Cl. Old journal articles sometimes spell out “monochlorotetradecane,” but new catalogs stick to the IUPAC naming rules. Industrial-grade literature refers to it by its application, such as surfactant intermediate or alkyl halide C14, which can lead to confusion for new entrants in the field. Consistency in labeling keeps communication smooth in collaborative work or global trade, where unexpected wording can stall an entire project.
Handling 1-Chlorotetradecane brings safety into sharp focus. Longer-chain chlorides land somewhere between basic irritants and more worrisome toxicants. Skin contact can provoke redness and itching, especially with impure samples or splashes that go unnoticed. Vapors, although limited under typical conditions, could cause headaches in poorly ventilated areas. Most safety guidelines echo the same advice: nitrile gloves, splash goggles, and disposable lab coats. Spills call for containment with absorbent pads and proper waste labeling, since chlorinated materials attract regulatory oversight. Larger facilities fit their drum storage areas with spill berms and explicitly mark transport routes for hazardous cargo—nobody wants chlorinated liquids running into drains.
Industrial applications reflect the versatility of 1-Chlorotetradecane. Surfactant manufacturers use it as a starter for producing cationic and nonionic compounds. In textiles, it finds its way into softening agents, designed to give synthetic fibers a pleasant feel without compromising water resistance. Oilfield chemical companies blend it into drilling and completion fluids to tune surface properties and lubricity. Laboratory-scale reactions explore its utility as a primer for creating electron-rich carbon frameworks, thanks to the reactive chloro group on the tail. Specialty cleaning products also sometimes list it as a key precursor. In all these areas, reliability, cost stability, and supply chain security keep industrial customers coming back.
Researchers dig into 1-Chlorotetradecane for its model behavior in structure-reactivity studies. It lets chemists probe the influence of alkyl chain length on reaction rates, product yields, and environmental fate. Universities compare it with related alkyl chlorides to map out dechlorination pathways in groundwater or soil environments. Some university groups explore it in bio-based surfactant synthesis, testing approaches that use renewable feedstocks and green chemistry protocols. Industry research investigates ways to cut energy use in chlorination or to automate separation processes. Patents reflecting new modifications pile up, each pushing small boundaries in application or purity enhancement.
Studies on 1-Chlorotetradecane’s toxicity sketch an unsettled picture, but trends point toward moderate concern. In animal studies, high-dose exposure leads to reversible skin and eye irritation. Long-term effects appear to be limited, but chronic handling—especially through inhalation—has barely been tested outside controlled lab trials. Regulatory bodies classify it as a skin irritant and possible aquatic toxicant. Environmental impact crops up more in wastewater discharge, since long-chain chlorides resist breakdown in the standard treatment regime. Chemists and safety officers push for closed systems and thorough end-of-shift washing routines, especially in high-throughput production or repetitive research tasks.
Demand for 1-Chlorotetradecane will follow broader trends in both green chemistry and specialty manufacturing. Sustainable chemistry researchers want to swap older chlorinating methods for enzymatic or electrochemical alternatives, eliminating corrosive reagents and toxic by-products. Industrial buyers look for supply chain transparency, where batch testing and traceability can root out impurities before they sabotage entire campaigns. From where things stand, regulatory pressures nudging limits on chlorinated compounds will get stricter, pushing for better recovery, recycling, and remediation strategies. If new applications in polymer science or renewable surfactant technologies take off, 1-Chlorotetradecane stands ready as a flexible, proven workhorse.
1-Chlorotetradecane sounds like something that belongs in a lab, far from regular life. But if you ever use metalworking fluids, clean mechanical parts, or check labels on specialty lubricants, you’re closer to this chemical than you might guess. As a chlorinated paraffin, 1-Chlorotetradecane slips quietly into many industrial processes. It often boosts the way cutting and grinding fluids deal with friction, keeping metal equipment in shape and letting production run smoother. Factories depend on chemicals like this one not only for efficiency but for keeping big machines from overheating or breaking down.
Manufacturing doesn’t take breaks. Machines need substances that can handle stress and high temps, especially where a regular oil just gets burnt up. I spent time around steel shops, and folks there talked about how metal-cutting coolants need to last through 12-hour shifts. Workers look for additives that protect tools and prevent pitting or corrosion on parts worth thousands of dollars. 1-Chlorotetradecane offers that kind of reliability, especially since chlorine can cushion gears and bearings when things heat up. In a world where downtime means lost pay, nobody ignores an ingredient that cuts costs.
Exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons has always drawn questions. Studies show that repeated contact can bother skin and sometimes lungs, especially for the people handling these fluids every single day. Older workers tell stories of using bare hands decades ago, before anyone thought about masks or gloves. Research over the years drove home that these compounds need careful handling. Disposing them poorly or letting them escape into waterways threatens wildlife and water quality. Regulators push back when waste gets out of hand.
Today, industries work under tighter safety rules. Companies monitor air and water around plants, and most enforce solid personal protection. But it’s still tough to fully avoid leaks or accidental releases, and the same chemical traits that make 1-Chlorotetradecane stable in machines mean it can last a long time if it gets into nature. Some countries look at phasing out short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins due to their persistence. Not all companies stay ahead of the curve, and there’s a lag between new research and new practices.
Factories need chemicals that perform but don’t put people or land at risk down the road. Plenty of researchers push for safer alternatives—sometimes vegetable-based oils, others look at synthetic esters or reformulated coolants. Old habits die slow, though, especially if new additives cost more upfront or don’t last as long on the line. It takes real cooperation—between chemical makers, manufacturers, and safety experts—to keep up progress while making sure jobs and products don’t fall behind. Watching how 1-Chlorotetradecane gets replaced or refined tells a lot about how the industry balances fast production with environmental sanity.
Handling chemicals like 1-Chlorotetradecane pushes industries to juggle efficiency, worker safety, and responsibility toward neighbors and nature. Scrutiny helps everyone stay honest. No solution comes overnight. It usually takes a push from new data, tough regulations, and public pressure before big changes stick. People in factories, labs, and policy rooms have to keep asking if the old way still works—or if it’s time to switch gears for good.
1-Chlorotetradecane shows up in textbooks with the formula C14H29Cl. It’s just a straight-chain hydrocarbon, tetradecane, where a single chlorine atom takes the place of a hydrogen at the very tip of the chain. The “1-” tells us that this chlorine attaches to the first carbon. Anyone who’s spent time puzzling over organic molecules in high school or college chemistry courses knows how adding a chlorine atom changes a molecule’s behavior. It alters properties like boiling point and how the molecule interacts with the environment. The formula may look simple, but chlorine opens the door to all sorts of practical and ethical considerations.
Chlorinated alkanes often get labeled as industrial workhorses. They find their way into solvents, flame retardants, and intermediates in bigger chemical syntheses. For those working in labs or industries that produce or break down hydrocarbons, 1-chlorotetradecane stands as a building block—one rung in a larger ladder of molecules that get pieced together for specific jobs. I remember my days in a university organic chemistry lab: even minor differences in chain length or halogen position steered experiments down different paths. If a single number or element changes, so does everything about how the material behaves inside a reaction flask or out in the world.
Adding chlorine to hydrocarbons doesn’t just affect chemistry—it raises questions outside the lab. Chlorinated compounds tend to stick around in the environment, building up in soil, water, or the tissues of living things. The EPA and similar agencies keep a close watch on persistent organic pollutants for this very reason. While 1-chlorotetradecane might not stand out as a household name, its chemical cousins have come under fire for decades due to their role in environmental contamination and potential to disrupt human and animal health.
These real consequences shape how researchers and industry handle such compounds. Following safe handling guidelines, limiting unnecessary use, and considering substitutes can help manage risks. I’ve seen colleagues double-check labels and safety sheets or use less harmful alternatives whenever possible. This habit speaks to a culture of caution born from experience with stubborn, lingering chemicals.
Regulators, manufacturers, and users have a responsibility to think carefully about each chlorinated hydrocarbon. Investing in green chemistry—developing alternatives that break down easily or leave no harmful legacy—can cut down on the negatives. In the meantime, keeping an eye on emerging research, supporting responsible disposal, and sharing practical safety tips make a difference at every step, from synthesis to cleanup. Whether working behind a laboratory bench or making policy, real-world decisions grow out of knowledge and hands-on experience, not just what’s printed in reference books.
1-Chlorotetradecane may look like just another formula on a list, but it serves as a reminder: tiny changes in molecule structure ripple out into real-life impacts, for better or worse. Knowing the details, weighing the tradeoffs, and making thoughtful choices all spring from that basic awareness of what a chemical is and where it can go.
I’ve seen a lot of folks underestimate everyday risks in the lab or factory, but 1-Chlorotetradecane isn’t the type of chemical you should handle casually. Its clear liquid form doesn’t set off alarm bells by sight or smell, but the danger often lurks behind a quiet appearance. This compound can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Without careful handling, workers might discover the downside all too late.
Roll up to the workbench without gloves, goggles, or a good lab coat, and you’re gambling. 1-Chlorotetradecane soaks swiftly into cloth and skin. Regular nitrile gloves put up a good fight here, and safety goggles help keep accidental splashes off sensitive eyes. If there’s a risk of spraying or heating, full face protection beats the alternative. I’ve watched folks scramble because they thought their regular glasses offered enough. A mistake like that tends to stick with you. A chemical-resistant apron keeps spills from turning into an emergency. Closed shoes, never sandals or open-toed shoes—your feet are not as tough as you think.
Experience teaches you to respect fumes even if you can’t smell them. 1-Chlorotetradecane vapors can irritate your throat and lungs, so always work in a well-ventilated spot. Fume hoods or local exhaust systems eat up the vapors before they hit your face. A decent setup pulls fumes away, and your lungs will thank you in the long run. Small spills can turn the air sour fast in tight indoor spaces.
Accidents rarely give a warning. Quick action can make a world of difference. If you splash the liquid on your skin, rinse thoroughly with running water—water will dilute it and lessen the risk. If it gets in your eye, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice without delay. Inhaling vapors? Step into fresh air and see a doctor if symptoms pop up. I’ve seen those who wait it out, hoping for the best, end up regretting it. Watching for symptoms like coughing or tightness in the chest isn’t just caution—it’s common sense.
Keep this chemical in a tight, clearly labeled container. Store it in a cool, dry spot away from any heat sources or open flames. This liquid catches fire at fairly high temperatures, so fire safety gear sits close by any decent storage area. Never leave it near acids, bases, or oxidizers—unwanted reactions make for bad surprises. Inventory checks and labeling pay off, especially when containers look alike but contents don’t act the same.
The folks managing these chemicals need to know how to respond during trouble. Regular training keeps the steps fresh in everyone’s mind. Even reading safety data sheets straight through beats winging it. I’ve watched lessons learned the hard way turn into stories that staff share at safety meetings, which is how good habits stick. Safety sticks better when people see each other doing it right every day.
Small steps get overlooked until a slip-up happens. Start every session with fresh gear, clean space, and the right mindset. An eye-wash station nearby helps. Routine inspections pick up leaks and worn seals before they turn into something worse. Up-to-date records on spills or near-misses help the whole team improve work practices. Respect for the process protects everyone, every single time.
Handling chemicals like 1-Chlorotetradecane isn’t just for chemists or researchers in shiny labs. Plenty of folks from different industries encounter chemicals every day. Without proper care, accidents do happen. In my time managing inventory for a small company, I saw firsthand how even a minor storage mistake could create headaches, lost money, and health problems. There were days I had to frantically act because someone left a container out or because a label faded away—nightmare scenarios no one wants.
1-Chlorotetradecane belongs to a group called chlorinated alkanes. These chemicals sound niche, but you might find them in paints or certain industrial processes. Mishandling these chemicals can release fumes that affect your eyes or breathing, especially in closed spaces. Skin contact won’t win any popularity contest either. I remember a friend who suffered a nasty rash after handling a leaking bottle that hadn’t been checked properly. Lax storage led to a problem that stretched for weeks.
Designated Area: Keeping 1-Chlorotetradecane in the right place starts with using a storage site that deals with chemicals—locked, clearly marked, and away from everyday traffic. Garages or improvised shelves just don’t cut it. The right storage area uses chemical cabinets made of material that resists corrosion and doesn’t react with chlorinated products.
Sealed Containers: Tight and reliable containers stop leaks and keep fumes from escaping. The manufacturer’s original container serves best, but if a transfer is needed, using HDPE or glass containers that seal fully works well. Labels matter too. I once spent an hour hunting through unlabeled bottles, hoping to avoid adding another chemical mix-up to the list. Always write the name, hazard class, and date directly on the container using waterproof markers.
Temperature and Light: 1-Chlorotetradecane reacts badly to heat and UV light. Overheating can change its properties, and in worst-case events, lead to slow decomposition. Storing the chemical at room temperature or cooler, far from heaters or sunlight, cuts down on these risks. No one wants a fire to break out in a warehouse just because something sat next to a window too long. Good storage areas use thermostats and curtains or opaque cabinets to keep temperatures and lighting in check.
Avoid Reactives and Water: Storing 1-Chlorotetradecane away from acids, bases, and strong oxidizers heads off trouble. Mixing these chemicals sounds like chemistry class, but in real life, it means a spill can become much worse. Moisture can also cause certain chemicals to degrade or even produce toxic byproducts. Industrial practice and knowledge go a long way. I’ve seen storage areas with absorbent mats and nearby spill kits, which makes a lot of sense. Water leaks and accidental splashes get contained fast that way.
Inventory and periodic inspections never go out of style. Rotating stock, noting expiration dates, and searching for any leaks or corrosion are simple steps, but they matter. Reporting damage early keeps things running and protects everyone in the workspace. Training new staff on these checks shouldn’t be a once-a-year deal. Every quarter, a quick walk-through with checklists helps catch mistakes before they get bigger.
Handling and storing chemicals like 1-Chlorotetradecane doesn’t only depend on following rules written in a binder. It means building habits that stick—locking doors, double-checking labels, disposing of expired chemicals, and reporting odd smells before they escalate. I’ve found that these routines not only protect health but also keep companies out of legal trouble. Hands-on experience proves that cutting corners rarely pays off in the world of chemical safety. Better storage isn’t just a line on a safety form—it’s a decision to put people and business ahead of convenience.
1-Chlorotetradecane, a chlorinated hydrocarbon, finds its way into certain industrial and research processes. It belongs to the group of long-chain alkyl chlorides. Used in labs and some manufacturing, this compound stays low-profile compared to many household chemicals, but it never truly stays out of the ecosystem once introduced.
I remember lab safety lessons insisting on gloves and fume hoods when working with halogenated hydrocarbons. Chlorinated compounds can sneak into the body through skin or inhalation. Scientific research points out that many organochlorines, which include 1-chlorotetradecane, are slow to break down in the body and resist natural processes. Studies are thin on long-term human exposure, but close chemical relatives can irritate skin, eyes and respiratory passages. Prolonged or repeated contact may cause dermatitis.
The bigger worry comes from what is known about the class of hydrocarbons it belongs to. The US EPA, REACH and other regulators categorize many long-chain chlorinated hydrocarbons as persistent and potentially bioaccumulative. Chronic effects may surface after repeated exposures. Since specific data on 1-chlorotetradecane is limited, its risk gets flagged based on the health effects seen from similar compounds—some of which affect the liver, kidneys, or even disrupt hormones.
In the environment, chlorinated paraffins and related molecules rarely degrade quickly. In my years working with environmental scientists, we saw that once a chlorinated hydrocarbon enters soil or water, it lingers. Wildlife sometimes absorbs these compounds over time, leading to accumulation in fatty tissues, which then climb up the food chain. Aquatic life runs the higher risk, as these chemicals dissolve poorly in water but stick to sediments where benthic creatures feed.
Though robust environmental data on 1-chlorotetradecane itself is rare, its persistence and potential to build up in the environment call for caution. Some evidence from its chemical cousins suggests long-lasting risks to earthworms, fish and aquatic invertebrates. Few filtration or water treatment methods can tackle persistent organic pollutants without significant effort, so the spread doesn’t stop quickly.
Controlling exposure starts with clear labeling and robust handling procedures in settings that use 1-chlorotetradecane. Training for those who work with chemicals goes a long way—I’ve sat through many safety drills that emphasized accountability and documented logs. Regulatory frameworks could do better tracking how these molecules move from labs and factories into wastewater streams. Fortunately, safer alternatives do exist for some applications, though they may cost more upfront.
Broadening public awareness helps keep accidental releases in check. My conversations with teachers and students always circle back to the importance of questions: “What do we know? What don’t we know?” In the absence of a deep toxicity profile for 1-chlorotetradecane, assuming precaution protects more than it hinders. Stronger research funding, rigorous safety rules, and community right-to-know programs lighten the long-term burden on both people and ecosystems.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-Chlorotetradecane |
| Other names |
1-Chlorotetradecane
Tetradecyl chloride |
| Pronunciation | /ˈklɔːr.oʊ.tɛt.rəˌdeɪ.keɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 120-70-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | ``` CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCl ``` |
| Beilstein Reference | 1841077 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:77761 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL226195 |
| ChemSpider | 14568 |
| DrugBank | DB14166 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03e224e4-d719-48c5-bf80-f14b1fd71f6d |
| EC Number | 209-968-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 469732 |
| KEGG | C19609 |
| MeSH | D017356 |
| PubChem CID | 12413 |
| RTECS number | GQ3150000 |
| UNII | 31C345V2N8 |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C14H29Cl |
| Molar mass | 248.84 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.851 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 6.90 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0175 mmHg (25 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | >14 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | −7.41 × 10⁻⁵ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4360 |
| Viscosity | 3.203 mPa·s (25 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.33 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 489.1 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -274.75 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | –9184.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D14AB07 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin and eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P264, P271, P273, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362+P364 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 112 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 245 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (rat, oral): > 5,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of 1-Chlorotetradecane: "5050 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 1-Chlorotetradecane: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 30 mg/L |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1-Bromotetradecane
1-Iodotetradecane 1-Fluorotetradecane Tetradecane 1-Chlorododecane 1-Chlorohexadecane |
