Phthalaldehyde

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
Phthalaldehyde
Names
IUPAC name
o-Phthalaldehyde
Other names
o-Phthalic dicarboxaldehyde
Benzene-1,2-dicarboxaldehyde
Phthaldialdehyde
Identifiers
643-79-8 YesY
ChEBI CHEBI:70851 N
ChemSpider 4642 N
Jmol 3D model Interactive image
PubChem 4807
RTECS number TH6950000
  • InChI=1S/C8H6O2/c9-5-7-3-1-2-4-8(7)6-10/h1-6H
  • O=Cc1ccccc1C=O
Properties
C8H6O2
Molar mass 134.13 g·mol−1
Appearance Yellow solid
Density 1.19 g/mL
Melting point 55.5 to 56 °C (131.9 to 132.8 °F; 328.6 to 329.1 K)[1]
Boiling point 266.1 °C (511.0 °F; 539.2 K)
Low
Vapor pressure {{{value}}}
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YesYN ?)
Infobox references

o-Phthalaldehyde or ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) is the chemical compound with the formula C6H4(CHO)2. Often abbreviated OPA, the molecule is a dialdehyde, consisting of two formyl (CHO) groups attached to adjacent carbon centres on a benzene ring. This pale yellow solid is a building block in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds and a reagent in the analysis of amino acids. OPA dissolves in water solution at pH < 11.5. Its solutions degrade upon UV illumination and exposure to air.

Synthesis and reactions

The compound was first described in 1887 when it was prepared from α,α,α’,α’-tetrachloro-ortho-xylene.[2] A more modern synthesis is similar: the hydrolysis of the related tetrabromoxylene using potassium oxalate, followed by purification by steam distillation.[1]

The reactivity of OPA is complicated by the fact that in water it forms both a mono- and dihydrate, C6H4(CHO)(CH(OH)2) and C6H4(CH(OH))2O, respectively. Its reactions with nucleophiles often involves the reaction of both carbonyl groups.[3]

Biochemistry

OPA is used in a very sensitive fluorescent reagent for assaying amines or sulfhydryls in solution, notably contained in proteins, peptides, and amino acids, by capillary electrophoresis and chromatography. OPA reacts specifically with primary amines above their isoelectric point Pi in presence of thiols. OPA reacts also with thiols in presence of an amine such as n-propylamine or 2-aminoethanol. The method is spectrometric (fluorescent emission at 436-475 nm (max 455 nm) with excitation at 330-390nm (max. 340 nm)).[4]

Disinfection

OPA is commonly used as a high-level disinfectant for medical instruments. Disinfection with OPA is indicated for semi-critical instruments that come into contact with mucous membranes or broken skin, such as specula, laryngeal mirrors, and internal ultrasound probes.[5]

Poly(phthalaldehyde)

OPA can be polymerized. In the polymer, one of the oxygen atoms forms a bridge to the other non-ring carbon of the same phthalaldehyde unit, while the other bridges to a non-ring carbon of another phthalaldehyde unit. Poly(phthalaldehyde) is used in making a photoresist.[6]

In winemaking

The Nitrogen by O-Phthaldialdehyde Assay (NOPA) is one of the methods used in winemaking to measure yeast assimilable nitrogen (or YAN) needed by wine yeast in order to successfully complete fermentation.[7]

Isomeric phthalaldehydes

Related to ortho-phthalaldehyde are the meta- and para-isomers, which are respectively named isophthalaldehyde (m.p. 87–88 °C, CAS# 626-19-7) and terephthalaldehyde (m.p. 114–116 °C, CAS# 623-27-8).

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.; Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  4. Protocol by Uptima
  5. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  6. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  7. B. Zoecklein, K. Fugelsang, B. Gump, F. Nury Wine Analysis and Production pgs 152-163, 340-343, 444-445, 467 Kluwer Academic Publishers, New York (1999) ISBN 0834217015