Although both 1-propanol (CAS 71-23-8) and isopropanol (cas: 67-63-0) are organic alcohols, their molecular structures differ, resulting in distinct physical and chemical properties.
Structural Formulas of Propanol and Isopropanol
Propanol (1-propanol) has the structural formula: CH₃CH₂CH₂OH, while isopropanol (also known as 2-propanol) has the structural formula: CH₃CHOHCH₃. From their structural formulas, it is evident that the molecular structures of propanol and isopropanol differ.
Physical Properties of 1-propanol and Isopropanol
- Melting Point and Boiling Point: Propanol has a melting point of -126°C and a boiling point of 97.2°C, while isopropanol has a melting point of -117°C and a boiling point of 82.5°C. It can be seen that both the melting point and boiling point of propanol are higher than those of isopropanol.
- Density: The density of propanol is 0.806 g/cm³, while that of isopropanol is 0.785 g/cm³. This means propanol is slightly heavier than isopropanol.
- Chemical Properties of 1-propanol and Isopropanol
- Oxidizability: Both propanol and isopropanol are organic alcohols that can be oxidized to their corresponding ketones or acids.
- Reactivity: Their reactivity also differs. For example, when potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added to a solvent, propanol undergoes a migratory alcohol-acid-base isomerization reaction, whereas isopropanol does not exhibit this reaction.
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