1-Octanol, also known as n-octanol, is a straight-chain primary alcohol with eight carbon atoms. It is one of the best-known chemicals in physical chemistry and pharmaceutical laboratories. It is best known as the organic phase used to measure the octanol–water partition coefficient (log P), the standard reference for assessing how lipophilic drugs, pesticides, and environmental pollutants are. TCI supplies 1-Octanol as a non-heterocyclic building block that is also versatile for synthesizing octyl derivatives, so it serves both analytical and synthetic chemistry.
1-Octanol is widely chosen because its structure resembles a lipid membrane. It has a polar hydroxyl group at one end and a long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain. For this reason, the octanol–water system is considered a good model for predicting how a compound moves between aqueous and fatty environments. It dissolves very poorly in water, so the two phases separate cleanly during partitioning experiments. For synthesis, its primary alcohol group is easy to oxidize or esterify, or to convert into halides and ethers. This makes it a practical starting material for introducing octyl chains into target molecules.
In Indonesia, 1-Octanol is widely needed in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry laboratories that measure the physicochemical properties of drug candidates, especially lipophilicity and likely membrane permeability. Environmental laboratories also use it to assess how pollutants and agrochemicals distribute between water and organic matter. University research groups and teaching laboratories use it for partition coefficient experiments and as a reliable building block in organic synthesis. Its dual role makes it a staple reagent across academic and industrial settings.
- Octanol–water partition coefficient (log P) measurement: 1-Octanol is the standard organic phase for this test because its polar head and nonpolar chain mimic biological lipid membranes.
- Drug candidate lipophilicity profiling: medicinal chemistry laboratories use the octanol–water system to estimate how a candidate compound may behave between aqueous and lipid environments in the body.
- Environmental fate studies of pollutants and pesticides: partitioning into 1-Octanol helps environmental laboratories predict whether a contaminant tends to accumulate in fatty tissues or stay in water.
- Synthesis of octyl esters and ethers: its reactive primary hydroxyl group esterifies and etherifies readily, making it a convenient source of straight octyl chains in organic synthesis.
- Preparation of octyl halides and oxidation products: 1-Octanol can be converted into halides or oxidized, giving researchers a flexible non-heterocyclic building block for further synthetic steps.
| Brand | TCI (product code O0036) |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 111-87-5 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Building Blocks > Non-Heterocyclic Building Blocks |
| Pack sizes | available in several TCI pack sizes; please check the product page or ask our team for current options |
| Physical form | liquid at room temperature |
| Storage | keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place |
Store 1-Octanol in its original, tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat, open flames, ignition sources, and strong oxidizing agents. Glass or other chemically compatible containers with secure caps are suitable. Keep the container closed when not in use so the liquid does not absorb moisture or become contaminated. When handling, wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and a lab coat, and work in a fume hood or well-ventilated space. Avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid breathing vapors. Always read the TCI Safety Data Sheet for full hazard, first-aid, and disposal information before use.
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