1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane

Description

1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane is an organic compound with the molecular formula C9H18. It is a saturated hydrocarbon, meaning it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms and has no double or triple bonds.

**Structure and Properties:**

* **Structure:** 1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane has a six-membered cyclohexane ring with three methyl groups attached at positions 1, 2, and 4.
* **Isomers:** It exists in two different stereoisomers: cis-1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane and trans-1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane.
* **Physical Properties:** It is a colorless liquid at room temperature with a characteristic hydrocarbon odor.
* **Chemical Properties:** It is relatively unreactive due to its saturated nature.

**Importance in Research:**

1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane has been studied in various research areas, including:

* **Conformational Analysis:** The molecule's different conformations and their relative stabilities have been investigated to understand the principles of conformational analysis in cyclohexane systems.
* **Chirality and Stereochemistry:** The existence of cis and trans isomers allows for the study of chirality and stereochemistry in organic molecules.
* **NMR Spectroscopy:** Its complex NMR spectrum provides valuable insights into the structural features and dynamics of the molecule.
* **Reaction Mechanisms:** It has been used as a model compound to investigate the mechanisms of reactions involving cyclohexane derivatives.
* **Materials Science:** Its properties, such as its low polarity and high thermal stability, make it suitable for use in certain materials applications.

**Specific Research Applications:**

* **Studies on ring inversion:** 1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane undergoes ring inversion, which has been studied using NMR spectroscopy to understand the energy barriers and rates of inversion.
* **Development of new catalysts:** Researchers have explored the use of 1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane as a ligand in the development of novel catalysts for various chemical reactions.
* **Investigation of the effects of steric hindrance:** Its bulky methyl groups can be used to study the effects of steric hindrance on chemical reactivity.

Overall, 1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane is a valuable compound for research in various areas of chemistry and materials science, providing insights into fundamental principles and facilitating the development of new technologies.

1,2,4-trimethylcyclohexane: structure given in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]