Unraveling the Mystery: Why the Boiling/Melting Point of 7-Methylicosane is Not Available on Any Database

When delving into the world of chemical compounds, it is not uncommon to encounter discrepancies and unanswered questions. One such enigma is the boiling/melting point of 7-methylicosane, a lesser-known hydrocarbon. In this article, we will explore why this information is not readily available and what potential factors contribute to the absence of such data in major chemical databases.

The Boiling Point of 2-Methylicosane: A Point of Reference

According to the Thermophysical Properties of Chemicals and Hydrocarbons Second Edition, the boiling point of 2-methylicosane is listed as 624.23 Kelvin. This data serves as a valuable point of reference for understanding the properties of isomers like 7-methylicosane. As an isomer of 7-methylicosane, 2-methylicosane shares the same molecular weight and carbon chain length, which would reasonably suggest a similar boiling point.

Understanding the Role of Isomers

The concept of isomers is crucial in this context. Isomers, such as 2-methylicosane and 7-methylicosane, often exhibit similar but not always identical physical properties due to differences in their molecular structures. However, the molecular weight (C28H58) and carbon chain length of both compounds being identical usually results in boiling and melting points that are very close, if not identical.

Why is the Data Missing?

Despite the similarities in molecular composition, why is the boiling/melting point of 7-methylicosane not available in established chemical databases? There could be several reasons for this:

Experimental Data Shortfall: Challenging to collect experimental data for less common or less studied compounds, especially when the expected boiling point falls close to conditions where gathering accurate data is difficult, such as very high temperatures. Inactive Research: Lack of significant research or interest in 7-methylicosane specifically, which can lead to a lack of published data. Component Complexity: The presence of multiple isomers and their varying properties might overshadow the specific data for 7-methylicosane, leading to insufficient attention or data capture.

Implications for Research and Industry

The absence of accurate data on boiling/melting points for 7-methylicosane can have implications for research and industry, including:

Thermal Stability Studies: Researchers and engineers need accurate boiling/melting point data for thermal stability and phase change analysis. Process Engineering: In the chemical and refining industries, knowing the exact boiling point is crucial for designing efficient distillation processes. Thermal Analysis: Scientists often rely on these data for thermodynamic studies and phase transitions, which can be hindered without precise boiling/melting point data.

Conclusion

The boiling/melting point of 7-methylicosane is not available in major chemical databases due to the complex interplay of factors such as experimental challenges, research prioritization, and the predominant focus on closely related isomers with similar properties. However, it is important to continue seeking and validating this information for both academic and industrial purposes to fill these knowledge gaps and advance our understanding of hydrocarbons and their applications.

References

[1] Thermophysical Properties of Chemicals and Hydrocarbons, Second Edition.