7667-78-9Relevant academic research and scientific papers
A novel synthesis of branched high-molecular-weight (C40 +) long-chain alkanes
Lehmler, Hans-Joachim,Bergosh, Robert G.,Meier, Mark S.,Carlson, Robert M. K.
, p. 523 - 531 (2007/10/03)
Many biological and geochemical questions remain concerning the structures, functions, and properties of naturally occurring high-molecular-weight (C 40+) alkanes with various mid-chain alkylation patterns. Above C40, these alkanes are exceedingly difficult to separate and purify, and syntheses can be blocked by the low solubility of intermediates. To overcome these problems, a facile three-step synthesis employing the alkylation of 1,3-dithiane with a suitable α,ω-dibromoalkane was developed. Bisalkylation of the bis(dithianyl)alkane intermediate with the appropriate 1-bromoalkane and subsequent desulfurization with Raney nickel furnished the desired long-chain alkane. Long-chain alkanes modified at mid-chain and/or symmetrically near the chain termini (or unmodified, i.e., long-chain n-paraffins) are accessible by the selection of appropriate bromoalkanes. Nine mid-chain methylated (C38H78 to C53H 108), one symmetrical terminal-chain dimethylated (C 40H82), and four linear (C44H90 to C58H118) long-chain alkanes were synthesized by using this approach. High-temperature gas chromatography (HTGC) was found to have important advantages for evaluating the purity of the synthetic high-molecular-weight alkanes.
