1-Octanethiol: Substance Description, Properties, and Specifications

What is 1-Octanethiol?

1-Octanethiol is an organic sulfur compound with a clear presence in research labs, chemical synthesis, and industrial applications. Its full molecular structure, C8H18S, reveals a straight-chain hydrocarbon backbone equipped with a terminal thiol group. This combination gives the compound distinct capabilities, from acting as a ligand in surface chemistry studies, to serving a specific role in the formulation of self-assembled monolayers on gold substrates. Most chemists know its sharp, pungent odor as a clear indicator of its active sulfur group. Any lab handling 1-Octanethiol quickly notes its oily, colorless to pale yellow character, along with its tendency to persist in the air.

Physical Properties

A closer look at 1-Octanethiol’s physical characteristics brings up several features. The density typically lines up at about 0.837 g/mL at 25°C, showing a lighter-than-water property familiar to many organic solvents. Its boiling point hovers near 194°C, which means open flames or high-heat environments can push this chemical into vapor. Melting point generally sits at -39°C. In a bottle, 1-Octanethiol appears as a clear, lollipop-like liquid, rarely seen in powder or flake form except when encapsulated in solid matrices or frozen. It resists dissolving in water but blends well with common nonpolar organic solvents like hexane or ether, reflecting hydrophobic tendencies due to the alkyl chain.

Chemical Nature and Safety

Handling 1-Octanethiol demands respect for its chemical reactivity and potential hazards. The sulfur group makes it reactive with oxidizing agents, capable of forming sulfonic acids or disulfides under the right reactions. Contact with this chemical causes skin and eye irritation, and inhaling its vapors triggers headaches or nausea—even at relatively low concentrations. Fume hoods remain standard practice for a reason. Storage recommendations call for tightly-sealed containers, kept in cool, dry areas away from oxidizers. Anyone working with this raw material should use nitrile gloves, eye protection, and adequate ventilation. Safety Data Sheets don’t bury the warning: 1-Octanethiol counts as a hazardous substance, and waste disposal needs the oversight of qualified chemical management staff.

Structure and Molecular Formula

The molecule runs long and linear, with seven methylene (-CH2-) segments leading to an end thiol (-SH) group. Formula C8H18S translates to a molecular weight of about 146.30 g/mol, which matters in precise dosing for synthesis and calculation of molarities in solution. That molecular layout allows strong bonding with metal surfaces where the sulfhydryl group interacts—a favorite application in the electronics and nanotechnology sectors. Scientists exploit the chemical for producing monolayers just a single molecule thick, tethered tightly to gold due to a specific gold-sulfur attraction that no other alkyl chain delivers quite as effectively.

Forms: Liquid, Solid, Solution, and Packaging

In nearly every commercial and laboratory setting, 1-Octanethiol comes as a liquid. Some suppliers offer it pre-dissolved in solvents like ethanol or isopropanol for precise dosing, useful for applications where direct handling needs minimizing. It rarely appears as a crystal, pearl, or powder because of its low melting point and inherent fluidity. Drum, liter bottle, or smaller amber vials all fit the standard packaging regime, chosen to minimize light exposure and evaporation. The sticky, lingering odor penetrates most caps unless sealed correctly, proving the point that good chemical hygiene pays off. Industrial customers often request material-specific certificates, tracking each batch by specifications such as purity (often >98%), residual solvent content, and compliance with hazardous transport guidelines.

HS Code and Logistics

Shipments of 1-Octanethiol travel under the Harmonized System (HS) Code 2930.90, slotting into the larger category for “thiols and other organo-sulfur compounds.” As a flammable and hazardous organic, it falls under international and local transport regulations. Packaging must comply with standards for hazardous liquids, and documentation needs to match exact chemical identity, UN number, and risk class. Freight carriers require clear labeling for both safety and legal compliance; shipments must move in certified containers, shielded from sources of ignition and handled by trained logistics teams.

Applications and Importance

Research applications rely on the specific chemistry of 1-Octanethiol. In nanotechnology and electronics, it gets used for tailoring surface chemistry, laying down ordered monolayers on gold contacts, which can change electronic and catalytic properties in cutting-edge devices. Surface-sensitive fields like sensor development find 1-Octanethiol indispensable; the molecule’s sulfur end binds metals while the alkyl tail organizes the molecular crowd. Beyond gold, it plays a role in organic synthesis, enabling the targeted introduction of sulfur functionalities in custom molecules. Because this raw material brings both opportunities and hazards, industries using it must balance efficiency and precaution every step of the way.

Raw Materials and Environmental Concerns

Production starts from petrochemical feedstocks. Sulfurizing agents fuse with octane derivatives, forming the desired thiol in controlled conditions. The industry trend pushes for greener processes, striving to minimize waste streams and lower emissions of volatile organic compounds. Down the line, responsible disposal stands out as critical—waste treatment protocols need to address both flammability and toxicity, so 1-Octanethiol residues don’t end up in waterways or ordinary landfills. Regulatory oversight continues to increase, reflecting both environmental and public health concerns around organosulfur compounds.

Potential Solutions and Advancements

Managing the balance between performance and safety leads to ongoing innovation. Safer containment systems, better personal protective equipment, and improved detection tools for airborne thiols all play a role. Suppliers and labs collaborate over the use of alternative raw materials or stabilization additives that limit hazards without sacrificing performance in vital chemical or technological pathways. Research into greener synthesis methods may someday lower the environmental footprint even further, helping the chemical industry meet both the economic and ethical demands of today’s markets.