Problem 37
Question
Practical Applications Name one alcohol, amine, or ether that is used for each of the following purposes. \(\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. antiseptic }} & {\text { c. antifreeze }} \\\ {\text { b. solvent in paint }} & {\text { d. anesthetic }} \\ {\text { strippers }} & {\text { e. dye production }}\end{array}\)
Step-by-Step Solution
Verified Answer
a. Isopropanol (C3H8O) is used as an antiseptic.
b. Butoxyethanol (C6H14O2) is used as a solvent in paint.
c. Ethylene glycol (C2H6O2) is used as antifreeze.
d. Diethyl ether (C4H10O) is used as an anesthetic.
e. Triethanolamine (C6H15NO3) is used as a stripper.
f. Aniline (C6H7N) is used in dye production.
1Step 1: a. Antiseptic
An example of an alcohol used as an antiseptic would be isopropanol or rubbing alcohol. Isopropanol has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{3}\text{H}_{8}\text{O}\) and is commonly used to clean and disinfect skin and surfaces.
2Step 2: b. Solvent in paint
An example of an ether used as a solvent in paint would be ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, also known as butoxyethanol. Butoxyethanol is used to reduce the viscosity of paint, making it easier to apply. Its molecular formula is \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{14}\text{O}_{2}\).
3Step 3: c. Antifreeze
An example of an alcohol used as an antifreeze would be ethylene glycol. It has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{6}\text{O}_{2}\) and is added to water in the cooling systems of automotive engines to lower the freezing point and increase the boiling point of the coolant.
4Step 4: d. Anesthetic
An example of an ether used as an anesthetic is diethyl ether, also known as just "ether". It has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{4}\text{H}_{10}\text{O}\) and has been used as an inhalation anesthetic to induce a temporary unconscious state before surgery.
5Step 5: e. Strippers
An example of an amine used as a stripper is triethanolamine. Its molecular formula is \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{15}\text{N}\text{O}_{3}\) and it is frequently used in the removal of paint and varnish from surfaces, as well as in the textile industry as a neutralizing agent.
6Step 6: f. Dye production
An example of an amine used in dye production is aniline. It has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{7}\text{N}\) and is widely used as a precursor to many azo dyes, which are a large family of highly colored and useful dyes in the textile industry.
Key Concepts
Alcohol usesEthers in solventsAmines in industryChemical antisepticsAnesthetic chemicals
Alcohol uses
Alcohols are versatile organic compounds with a range of practical applications. One of the most common uses of alcohols is as antiseptics. Isopropanol, widely known as rubbing alcohol, is a popular choice for cleaning and disinfecting skin and surfaces due to its effective germ-killing properties.
This alcohol has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{3}\text{H}_{8}\text{O}\), which allows it to denature proteins and dissolve lipids, effectively breaking down and eliminating bacteria and viruses.
Alcohols like ethylene glycol are also used in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{6}\text{O}_{2}\). By adding it to water in automotive cooling systems, it helps to prevent the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures and overheating in high temperatures.
This alcohol has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{3}\text{H}_{8}\text{O}\), which allows it to denature proteins and dissolve lipids, effectively breaking down and eliminating bacteria and viruses.
Alcohols like ethylene glycol are also used in antifreeze. Ethylene glycol has the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{6}\text{O}_{2}\). By adding it to water in automotive cooling systems, it helps to prevent the coolant from freezing in cold temperatures and overheating in high temperatures.
Ethers in solvents
Ethers serve as excellent solvents in various applications due to their relatively low reactivity and ability to dissolve both polar and non-polar substances. Ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, or butoxyethanol, is an ether commonly used in paint strippers.
This compound with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{14}\text{O}_{2}\) helps to lower the viscosity of paints, making them easier to apply and spread evenly.
Furthermore, its ability to mix with water and organic solvents makes it a versatile option in industrial and personal care products. Ethers generally offer benefits like low volatility and surface tension, enhancing the performance of end products.
This compound with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{14}\text{O}_{2}\) helps to lower the viscosity of paints, making them easier to apply and spread evenly.
Furthermore, its ability to mix with water and organic solvents makes it a versatile option in industrial and personal care products. Ethers generally offer benefits like low volatility and surface tension, enhancing the performance of end products.
Amines in industry
Amines are crucial in various industrial applications, especially due to their versatility as building blocks in chemical synthesis. Triethanolamine is an example of an amine commonly used in strippers. It is often used to remove paint and varnish from surfaces efficiently.
This compound, \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{15}\text{N}\text{O}_{3}\), works by breaking down the compounds that hold the paint layers together.
Furthermore, in textile processing, triethanolamine serves as a neutralizing and buffering agent. Amines like aniline play a pivotal role in dye production. Aniline, with its formula \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{7}\text{N}\), is valuable as a precursor for azo dyes used in the textile industry for vibrant coloration.
This compound, \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{15}\text{N}\text{O}_{3}\), works by breaking down the compounds that hold the paint layers together.
Furthermore, in textile processing, triethanolamine serves as a neutralizing and buffering agent. Amines like aniline play a pivotal role in dye production. Aniline, with its formula \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{7}\text{N}\), is valuable as a precursor for azo dyes used in the textile industry for vibrant coloration.
Chemical antiseptics
Antiseptics are chemical agents that inhibit the growth of microorganisms, ensuring sterile and clean environments. Alcohols are among the most widely used antiseptics because they effectively kill bacteria and viruses without leaving residues.
Isopropanol, for instance, is a rapid-acting disinfectant used on skin and surfaces. Its ability to denature proteins and dissolve cell membranes makes it an effective agent for preventing infection and maintaining hygiene.
Another benefit of alcohol-based antiseptics is their fast evaporation rate, which leaves surfaces dry and ensures no lingering effects. Widely used in healthcare settings, they offer a reliable solution for infection control.
Isopropanol, for instance, is a rapid-acting disinfectant used on skin and surfaces. Its ability to denature proteins and dissolve cell membranes makes it an effective agent for preventing infection and maintaining hygiene.
Another benefit of alcohol-based antiseptics is their fast evaporation rate, which leaves surfaces dry and ensures no lingering effects. Widely used in healthcare settings, they offer a reliable solution for infection control.
Anesthetic chemicals
Anesthetic chemicals are vital in medical procedures, providing pain relief and inducing unconsciousness safely during surgeries. Diethyl ether, commonly known as just "ether," was historically one of the first anesthetic agents used.
Diethyl ether, with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{4}\text{H}_{10}\text{O}\), acts by affecting the central nervous system to produce anesthesia, including calming effects and muscle relaxation.
Although its use has declined due to flammability concerns and better alternatives, it played a crucial role in developing modern anesthetics. Understanding these anesthetic compounds can provide insight into safer, more effective ways to manage pain and discomfort during medical procedures.
Diethyl ether, with the molecular formula \(\text{C}_{4}\text{H}_{10}\text{O}\), acts by affecting the central nervous system to produce anesthesia, including calming effects and muscle relaxation.
Although its use has declined due to flammability concerns and better alternatives, it played a crucial role in developing modern anesthetics. Understanding these anesthetic compounds can provide insight into safer, more effective ways to manage pain and discomfort during medical procedures.
Other exercises in this chapter
Problem 34
Draw and name all of the structural isomers possible for an alkyl halide with no branches and the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{5} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{Br}
View solution Problem 35
Name one structural isomer created by changing the position of one or more halogen atoms in each alkyl halide. \(\begin{array}{ll}{\text { a. } 2 \text { -chlor
View solution Problem 38
Explain why an alcohol molecule will always have a higher solubility in water than an ether molecule having an identical molecular mass.
View solution Problem 39
Explain why ethanol has a much higher boiling point than aminoethane, even though their molecular masses are nearly equal.
View solution