Complete Guide to HCOOCH CH2 H2O: Properties and Uses

Introduction to HCOOCH CH2 H2O

HCOOCH CH2 H2O is a chemical compound that is extensively utilized in several industrial products. For scientific and industrial purposes it needs to have its chemical structure, properties, and uses understood. HCOOCH CH2 H2O is analyzed in detail in this guide including its molecular composition, physical and chemical properties, synthesis, applications, and safety considerations.

What is HCOOCH CH2 H2O?

IUPAC Name and Chemical Identity

Hydroxyethyl Format is an ester represented as a chemical formula HCOOCH CH2 H2O. It consists of a formate group (HCOO-) linked to hydroxyethyl (-CH2 CH2OH) functional group.

The structural composition of it makes it play a key role in organic chemistry because, as the name suggests it mainly revolves in different chemical reactions. As there are both an ester and alcohol groups provided by it, it has unique characteristics, which makes it very useful in several applications.

Molecular Structure

HCOOCH CH2 H2O consists of:

Formate (HCOO-): A makeup product responsible for the ester properties of the compound.
Hydroxyethyl (-CH2 CH2 OH): A two carbon alcohol group for increased solubility and reactivity of the compound.

The properties of HCOOCH CH2 H2O are due the combination of the functional groups, and thus are used in both industrial and laboratory settings.

Physical and Chemical Properties of HCOOCH CH2 H2O

Physical Properties

Purity: Depending on formulation, purity varies between 90 and 100 g/mol.
Important characteristics: A colorless to pale yellow liquid that is widely used in the chemical industries.
Stability: Generally stable until boiling with standard conditions.
Melting Point: Below 0°C, meaning it can exist in a liquid state in most of the conditions.
Solubility: It is highly soluble in water and polar organic solvents allowing its use in various applications.
Odor: Mild ester, like odor, can sometimes be noticed when it is handled in large amounts.

Chemical Properties

Hydrolysis in HCOOCH CH2 H2O with acids or bases leads to alcohol and hydrolysis of formic acid, which is very useful in synthesis reactions.
In the case of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, there is also hydrogen bonding, which affects solubility and boiling point.
However, it is reactivity with bases that makes it useful in so many chemical applications; it reacts with strong bases to form salts.

Synthesis of HCOOCH CH2 H2O

Esterification of formic acid and ethylene glycol in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid can be used to make HCOOCH CH2 H2O. The reaction proceeds as follows:

HCOOH (Formic Acid) + HOCH2 CH2 OH (Ethylene Glycol) → HCOOCH CH2 H2O + H2O

This way of achieving a high yield and pure compound can be used on an industrial scale. Optimal synthesis process is achieved at given conditions of reaction.

Applications of HCOOCH CH2 H2O

Industrial Uses

Solvent in Chemical Reactions

It’s because of its polarity and its compatibility with almost all types of chemical compounds that HCOOCH CH2 H2O is used as a solvent in organic synthesis.

Intermediate in Pharmaceutical Synthesis

In the manufacturing of some pharmaceutical compounds (particularly ester based), it is an important intermediate.

Plasticizer in Polymer Production

It has also been used as a plasticizer to increase the flexibility and durability of polymers and resins, though the common example used is HCOOCH CH2 H2O.

Adhesive and Coating Industry

It is widely used in adhesives and coatings, improving the adhesion properties and surface bonding.

Biological and Laboratory Applications

Reagent in Chemistry

Since its chemical structure is unique, HCOOCH CH2 H2O is used as a reagent in esterification, hydrolysis, and other organic reactions.

Preservative in Certain Formulations

It serves as a stabilizer in different formulations and provides a means to prolong the shelf life of chemical and pharmaceutical products.

Safety and Handling of HCOOCH CH2 H2O

Health Hazards

Effects:

Skin Contact: The mild reaction manifested itself as irritation when coming into contact with the compound’s medium, HCOOCH CH2 H2O, thus necessitating protective measures in handling it.
Inhalation Effects: After a long period of exposure to the vapors, it is likely that the patient will experience dizziness, feeling nauseous or experience headache especially if in a closed room.
Poisonous: Albeit not highly, it is poisonous especially if ingested in large portions since it can lead to various illnesses.

Storage Guidelines

Dry Place: Cubes may be kept in hermetically sealed containers to be stored at a temperature not exposed to heat or sunlight.
Do not use strong acids or bases: This compound hydrolyses when in contact with strong acids or bases, and this makes the compound to degrade.

First Aid Measures

Skin Contact: Rinse with water and soap to make sure there is no single trace of the chemical.
Eye Contact: If the eyes are affected then hand wash with water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor if symptoms continue.
Inhalation: Move to fresh air and consult a physician especially if the effects are severe or continue to worsen.

Environmental Impact of HCOOCH CH2 H2O

Biodegradability: The compound is easily biodegradable, cutting down environmental impacts of pollution as far as the disposal of the compound is concerned.

Water Contamination:This should not be disposed of into water bodies in large volumes since it has an adverse impact on the water carrying organisms.

Controlling Air Discharges: Considering the fact that industrial facilities utilize HCOOCH CH2 H2O, the release of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions should be reduced.

Comparison with Related Compounds

HCOOCH CH2 H2O is often compared to:

Ethyl formate (HCOOCH2 CH3): another ester but with different alcoholic parts that produces different physical and chemical characteristics.
Methyl Formate (HCOOCH3): A smaller and more volatile ester with applications in different industrial fields.
Ethylene Glycol (HOCH2 CH2 OH): The formula of it is similar to that of an ester but contains a hydroxyl group and is more water soluble.

Conclusion

HCOOCH CH2 H2O is another chemical compound of great significance as it applies in various uses in the industrial, pharmaceutical and various lab uses. It is a chemical compound that has various applications to prevail and uses that should be utilized in a suitable way to avoid hazardous encounters. Thermoluminescence may be used in other two ways in the future, which will lead to its wider use and importance in the industry.

This guide was therefore designed to give the reader an understanding of HCOOCH CH2 H2O based on scientific theory with certain practical applicability. To gain further information, it may be advisable to refer to the chemical database providers and safety protocols.

Complete Guide to HCOOCH CH2 H2O: Properties, Uses, and More