OXO ALCOHOL Meaning and
Definition
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Oxo alcohol, also known as oxoalcohol or OXO alcohol, is a chemical compound that belongs to the group of alcohols. It is derived from the process of hydroformylation, in which alkenes (olefins) react with carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas under specific conditions to produce aldehydes. Oxo alcohols are formed by further hydrogenation of these aldehydes.
These compounds are characterized by having one or more functional groups, consisting of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom that is adjacent to a carbonyl group (C=O). The term "oxo" in oxo alcohol refers to the carbonyl group, which is often derived from the use of an intermediate called a carbonylating agent known as a "ketene." Oxo alcohols can contain various carbon chain lengths, ranging from 4 to 18 or more carbon atoms.
Oxo alcohols find wide applications in many industries, particularly in the production of plasticizers, solvents, resins, and detergents. Due to their versatility, they are used as raw materials in the manufacture of plastic films, coatings, lubricants, and adhesives. They are also used as intermediates for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and fragrances.
Oxo alcohols exhibit different physical and chemical properties based on their carbon chain length and branching. The boiling points and melting points of oxo alcohols generally increase as the carbon chain length increases. Additionally, their solubility in water decreases as the number of carbon atoms in the molecule increases.
Overall, oxo alcohols play an essential role in various industrial processes and applications, serving as important building blocks for numerous chemical products
Etymology of OXO ALCOHOL
The term "oxo alcohol" is derived from the combination of two different elements: "oxo" and "alcohol".
The term "oxo" originates from the chemical nomenclature, where it represents the presence of an oxygen atom (O) attached to a carbon atom, typically in the form of a carbonyl group (-C=O). It is derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning "sharp" or "acid", as carbonyl compounds often have a pungent odor.
The term "alcohol" comes from the Arabic word "al-kuḥl", which originally referred to a fine powder used for cosmetic purposes, but eventually evolved to mean any substance obtained by distillation.
