In the landscape of specialty chemicals, 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole didn't arrive overnight. Early on, chemists built on the foundation of imidazole, a simple five-membered ring that drew eyes for its basic nitrogen sites and stable aromatic core. Chemical engineers figured out that sticking longer alkyl chains onto this backbone changed the way the molecule behaved. By the late 20th century, research labs had begun exploring alkyl-substituted imidazoles for their surfactant and antimicrobial promise. Practical use started trickling into the textile and cleaning industries, then trickled outward as new applications got tested and patents started stacking up.
1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole stands out as an amphiphilic compound. What this means in practice: you have a part that loves water and another that avoids it, letting the molecule wedge itself between oil and water, change surface tension, and disrupt cell membranes. This balance gets exploited in everything from personal care formulas to advanced metalworking fluids. The dodecyl chain, twelve carbons long, swings the molecule toward oil-loving environments, boosting solubility in organic phases and enhancing its ability to scrub and stabilize. On the shelf, you see this compound in forms such as off-white powders or waxy solids, shipped in high-density polyethylene drums ready for blending or direct use.
The molecule itself carries a molar mass of about 246.41 g/mol, not too bulky but heavy enough to feel substantial during weighing. Melting points usually show up in the range between 50°C and 60°C, nudging into flow at typical factory-floor temps. The aromatic imidazole core lets it dissolve fairly well in many polar-aprotic and some organics, though water solubility drops off thanks to the long carbon tail. In terms of reactivity, chemists see the basic nitrogen ready to accept protons or participate in hydrogen bonding, making it friendly in varied settings. The dodecyl segment remains relatively inert, but it brings hydrophobicity to the table, laying the groundwork for notable interfacial activity.
Producers tend to offer 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole at purities greater than 97%, with GC or NMR reports backing up the quality. Labeling focuses on the compound’s chemical name, formula (C15H28N2), and batch-specific identifiers. Regulatory classifications often appear, reflecting compliance with GHS and other relevant safety frameworks. Packaging usually includes shelf-life information, storage notes (keep cool and dry, away from open flames), and emergency contact details for local safety officers. Buyers need to look for expiration dates and batch numbers, since degradation or contamination can change the product’s behavior in downstream applications.
Synthesizing 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole follows a fairly direct alkylation route. Chemists start with imidazole as the base, then introduce 1-bromododecane or 1-chlorododecane under controlled basic conditions, often using potassium carbonate or sodium hydroxide in a polar, aprotic solvent like DMF. The imidazole acts as a nucleophile, attacking the halogenated alkane at the terminal carbon. Work-up steps typically involve washing out salts, purifying by recrystallization or chromatography, and confirming identity through proton NMR and IR analysis. Experience teaches you that purity hinges on tight control of stoichiometry and careful exclusion of contaminating moisture, which can generate byproducts or hydrolyze starting materials.
1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole lends itself to a handful of further tweaks in the lab. You can convert the imidazole ring to its corresponding imidazolium salt through quaternization, magnetizing interest for ionic liquid development. Another common trick involves reacting with electrophiles at the nitrogen center, pushing into fields like catalysis or coordination chemistry. Oxidation gives N-oxides that unlock different hydrogen-bonding profiles, useful in surfactant blends. In industrial settings, blending with sulfonates or phosphates brings out synergies for cleaning or emulsion-stabilizing tasks. These modifications transform the parent molecule into platforms for more tailored performance, from industrial lubricants to disinfectants.
Across catalogs, you’ll spot a handful of alternative handles for 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole. Names such as N-Dodecylimidazole or 1H-Imidazole, 1-dodecyl- resonate in chemical supply listings. Some trade names include variants emphasizing “dodecyl imidazole” or “alkyl-imidazole,” given the key functional motif. Flipping through safety data sheets or regulatory filings, you’ll see similar language, though regulatory designations may string together more systematic terms in line with IUPAC conventions.
Nobody walks into a lab or manufacturing facility hoping for surprises, and proper handling of 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole demands respect for chemical hygiene. Direct skin or eye contact can lead to irritation, so use of gloves, splash goggles, and adequate ventilation sits at the core of every SOP. Inhalation of powders should be limited, prompting dust control measures in weighing and mixing steps. GHS labeling places it in categories requiring careful handling, and waste must go in line with local environmental controls. Emergency showers and eye wash stations nearby often make the difference between a scare and a serious incident. Fire control gets a mention, since the dodecyl chain contributes flammability when exposed to strong heat or oxidizers.
Personal care formulators lean on 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole for its gentle but effective surfactant action. Toothpastes, antimicrobial soaps, and even some medicated shampoos bank on its cleansing ability and mildness compared to harsher detergents. In metalworking and industrial cleaning, engineers rely on this compound to disperse oils and lift stubborn grime, especially where lubricity and pH control matter. Paints and coatings benefit from its compatibility with metallic ions, tapping into film stability and improved adhesion. Laboratory researchers appreciate its amphiphilicity, which makes it handy in micelle formation studies and as a comparative standard for cationic surfactants. Its antimicrobial bite, tied to disruption of microbial membranes, gets noticed in both sanitation and preservation contexts.
Innovation teams push 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole beyond its comfort zone, stretching into biocidal coatings for medical instruments and exploring blends for oil recovery agents. Research crosses into green chemistry too, probing for biodegradable alternatives in surfactant chemistry without losing performance. Analytical chemists dig into the behavior of its salts and complexes, charting how they behave under different environmental and pH conditions. Current research targets include deeper assessments of interaction with microbial communities, efforts to engineer functionalized derivatives better tailored to sensitive or high-value applications, and life cycle analysis for improved sustainability metrics. Every collaborative project or patent filing adds a layer to practical understanding while shaping the path for future launches.
Animal studies and in vitro assessments reveal a moderate toxicity profile, with skin and mucous membrane irritation dominating short-term exposure concerns. Oral toxicity appears low in small doses, but concentrated solutions or chronic dermal exposure bring risks of cumulative harm. Workers in chemical plants have long been advised to keep exposure time and direct contact minimal. Environmental toxicologists note its potential to impact aquatic organisms, especially in the case of accidental releases, pushing regulatory agencies to hammer out clear discharge and treatment guidelines. In academia and industry, the quest continues to build up robust data on all endpoints, from acute inhalation through to long-term organ impact, feeding into global classification and hazard communication practices.
Trends point toward new demand in greener and smarter chemistry solutions. Regulators press for safer, more sustainable alternatives in surfactants, and R&D groups look for tweaks that decrease environmental persistence while retaining performance. Prospects grow brighter for modified versions in targeted delivery, responsive coatings, and hospital-sanitation products. As digital process control and advanced monitoring become standard, the transparency and traceability of raw materials like 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole add another competitive angle. Everyone from formulators to environmental compliance teams gains from open collaboration and exhaustive research, making the journey from commodity ingredient to specialty solution a living story with plenty of chapters yet to be written.
The name 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole might sound complicated, but its impact shows up quietly across several industries. This molecule belongs to a group called imidazoles. Think of it like a tool in a chemist’s toolbox—one that brings both flexibility and reliability. In my own studies and lab experience, chemicals like this act like a bridge, connecting two worlds: the demands of modern manufacturing and the push for better-performing products.
Not every cleaner can dissolve oily grime, much less keep metal parts from rusting. 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole, because of its structure—a long dodecyl (twelve-carbon) tail and imidazole ring—takes care of that problem. The molecule sticks to oils and grease, helps them mix with water, and sweeps them away during rinsing. Commercial cleaning products, especially those meant for delicate electronics and metals, count on this chemical to pull their weight. I've seen lab tests where swapping in this molecule made cleaning both faster and more complete.
Corrosion eats away at value. Any industrial facility manager will tell you how tough rust can be. 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole clings to metal surfaces, particularly steel and copper. The imidazole part bonds with the metal, creating a thin protective layer, while the dodecyl group sticks outward, blocking water and salt. Pipes, heat exchangers, and storage tanks all last longer thanks to molecules like this. Researchers have documented that these coatings can cut corrosion rates in half under stress conditions. I remember one plant engineer calling it a “secret weapon” for extending the lifespan of their gear.
Ore doesn’t separate from rock on its own, and drilling fluids need to control bubbles and fine particles. 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole slips into flotation processes, helping valuable minerals rise to the top. In oilfields, it acts as both a stabilizer and an anti-corrosive for equipment, saving money and frustration. Experts find its dual action especially useful in tough environments where both chemical attacks and physical abrasion happen every day.
Molecules like imidazoles play a key role in drug research. Chemists often use 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole as a starting point for building more complex compounds. Its imidazole ring gets modified for targeting specific enzymes or receptors. Some skin creams and medical ointments also rely on imidazole-based ingredients to keep bacteria and fungi in check, though this specific version shows up less often as a main ingredient.
Every chemical comes with trade-offs. Studies show that 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole offers low acute toxicity, but repeated exposure—like with most surfactants—can trigger skin irritation. Smart handling, protective equipment, and regular training help lower these risks in factories and labs. The goal isn’t to chase after miracle solutions; it’s about using reliable science matched with real-world caution.
As environmental rules tighten around surfactants and corrosion inhibitors, some companies explore plant-based or biodegradable options. Still, for now, 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole holds its place because it gets the job done at scale and cost. Tracking real risks, supporting safe chemical handling, and investing in new green chemistry will keep progress moving in the right direction.
1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole brings together a long hydrocarbon tail and an aromatic ring structure known as imidazole. Its chemical formula, C15H28N2, looks basic at first glance, but this compound is more than a static set of atoms; the way it behaves ties directly to its structure. The dodecyl part means twelve carbons form a straight chain, which makes it hydrophobic—resistant to mixing with water. The imidazole piece connects back to basic chemistry—nitrogen-rich rings show up everywhere in biology, like in amino acids and DNA bases.
The average person might wonder why counting these atoms matters if they’re never handling raw chemicals. Growing up around folks who worked in sewage treatment and cleaning, I saw firsthand how the wrong chemical in a mixture could ruin a batch or cause a smell to hang around for days. Knowing the formula gives a basic map. It lets chemists predict how something will act, whether it will break apart in water, stick to dirt and oil, or even slip through filters.
For 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole, the long tail side makes it similar to soap molecules, giving it surfactant qualities. People working in manufacturing or cleaning use such traits to lift oil and grease. The ironic twist—by tweaking just a few atoms, you turn a useless powder into a workhorse ingredient or, just as easily, make it toxic.
Backing up with data, dodecyl-imidazole derivatives pop up in medical research journals as antimicrobial agents. Scientists cite their ability to disrupt cell membranes of bacteria, largely because the long tail embeds itself into fatty layers, and the imidazole group interacts with proteins. This isn’t just theory—a 2018 study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology showed that similar molecules halted the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus, two of the nastier bugs in hospitals. It all circles back to the structure: a dozen carbons lend the molecule enough “grease” to break into cell walls.
Some folks in the cleaning business get burned by buying the wrong ingredient. Labels with just a long name instead of a clear formula can lead to mix-ups, especially in countries where regulations are spotty. One small lab I worked with switched to a cheaper "imidazole" but missed the dodecyl part. The batches stopped working, and complaints followed fast. Exact formulas, like C15H28N2, highlight the chemical’s true identity and potential. A small change—swapping just one number or letter—could make it less effective or even unsafe.
Problems come up when information stays hidden or gets tangled in jargon. Manufacturers and suppliers need to display chemical formulas, not just trade names, to avoid confusion. Training for staff, not just chemists but also floor workers and logistics teams, should cover these basics. Governments can step up and update regulations; requiring both name and formula helps buyers make smarter choices. More transparency means safer workplaces and products that do what they promise—no science degree required.
Safety in the lab isn’t just for the chemists in white coats working on cutting-edge research. It extends to anyone handling chemicals with names that barely fit on a label. Take 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole, for example. This compound pops up in several industrial and laboratory settings, often used in surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, or as an intermediate in synthesis. Mishandled, it can cause more headaches than it solves.
Ignoring storage guidelines isn’t just sloppy—it endangers people and equipment. A chemical like this, which features a long hydrophobic tail and an imidazole ring, can react unpredictably, especially near heat or incompatible materials. Fumes or leaks might seem like a distant risk, but in my own time working the bench, I saw a forgotten flask corrode its way through a shelf. Fire, skin burns, or a nasty cleanup bill becomes real, fast.
Organic imidazole derivatives don’t like heat and moisture. Humidity can speed up decomposition and alter chemical properties. Industry guidance aligns with what any well-trained chemist learns: Keep bottles in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated spot. Standard practice means away from direct sunlight, off the floor, and in a labeled container. According to safety datasheets from established chemical suppliers, temperatures between 2°C and 8°C maintain chemical stability.
Contamination also lurks as a risk. A splash of water or a careless cap can set off unintended reactions, especially over weeks or months. Secondary containment offers insurance against accidental spills. In my experience, a leaking bottle unnoticed over a long weekend can eat through a benchtop, forcing a complete renovation or worse. Nobody wants to explain that to a lab manager.
Tools make a difference. Invest in chemical storage cabinets rated for flammable and corrosive materials. Close containers tightly each time, even for quick tasks. I’ve seen plenty of seasoned researchers skip this, thinking they’ll return in five minutes, only to get sidetracked until morning. Chemical vapors escaping a loosely capped container may seem minor but can build up quickly—especially in summer.
Labeling proves essential. Clear names, dates, and hazard information stave off confusion, especially as projects change hands or rotate between teams. Mix-ups lead to costly mistakes—both financially and in terms of safety.
Never store 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole near food, drink, or personal items. Cross-contamination turns a controlled environment into a health risk. Storing it next to acids, oxidizers, or bases increases accident potential. Incompatible substances sometimes react with surprising speed, generating harmful gases or enough heat to spark a fire. Sticking to separation rules might sound basic, but it has saved more than a few labs from unexpected disaster.
Implement regular checks. Rotate chemical stocks, clean up storage areas, and record expiration dates or signs of deterioration. Online tracking tools cut down on paperwork and flag issues early. During my years in shared facilities, audits—however tedious—caught more overlooked hazards than any memo or poster.
As new lab members join, invest serious time in training. Walk through storage routines, discuss what can go wrong, and share stories of close calls. Real-life anecdotes stick with people more than checklists. That’s how a culture of safety builds—and how everyone, from the newest intern to the most seasoned PI, keeps the lab running without incident.
Many folks haven’t heard of 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole unless they work in a lab. This chemical shows up in cleaning agents, coatings, and certain industrial processes. It looks harmless at first glance, but like lots of specialty chemicals, it deserves respect. Its molecule mixes a long carbon chain with an imidazole ring, making it effective at breaking down grease or grime. This performance is what draws companies to use it, especially where tough cleaning jobs call for powerful ingredients.
Health isn’t something to gamble on, especially when handling man-made chemicals. People often dismiss risks from things that sound scientific, but 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole brings some real concerns. According to research tracked by institutions like the European Chemicals Agency, getting this stuff on your skin or in your eyes can cause irritation, sometimes severe. Even inhaling dust or droplets may leave your throat or lungs burning. If someone swallows the chemical, nausea or stomach upset could follow.
Long-term, the science offers fewer answers. Reliable studies on repeated or prolonged contact are limited. But if smaller molecules in the same chemical family can cause immune reactions or impact organ function, it’s smart not to take chances. Workers exposed over long stretches might develop allergies, rashes, or experience breathing troubles. Sometimes, chemicals like these carry risks nobody fully understands—experience in the factory or field teaches that lesson better than any textbook.
There’s a reason safety data sheets warn folks to use gloves, goggles, and ventilation when working with 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole. Regulators require those warnings based on evidence from toxicity tests and case reports. If you’ve visited an industrial plant, you've probably seen the signs for eyewash stations and chemical showers. Those aren't overkill—they’re answers to real incidents. While accidental splashes don’t always lead to disaster, ignoring the warnings piles up risk for you and everyone nearby.
Spills or improper storage turn a tame workday into a race against time. Stories circulate in maintenance departments and labs—someone lets their guard down, and the chemical finds its way onto bare skin or gets splashed near the face. Quick cleanup and medical treatment help, but the safer choice is to keep exposure from happening in the first place.
Nobody expects every cleaning job or industrial process to drop specialty ingredients overnight. What people can expect is that companies provide thorough training. Workers need to know what they’re handling and the risks involved. Outfitting staff with gloves, masks, and eye protection helps keep accidents rare. Ventilated workspaces lower the risk of inhaling fumes or mist—and frankly, a well-ventilated shop or lab just feels better day-to-day.
Looking for less hazardous substitutes pays off over time. Some companies switch to greener surfactants or rework cleaning processes to cut down on riskier chemicals. If 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole stays in the lineup, regular safety reviews catch new research or updated rules early. Listening to health and safety voices at the table, instead of pushing them aside, turns what feels like a hassle into a line of defense for everyone’s well-being.
A chemical like 1-Dodecyl-1H-imidazole brings useful properties, but its hazards aren’t just paperwork. Taking precautions isn’t alarmist—it’s practical. Knowledge and preparation protect people better than wishing a chemical wasn’t risky in the first place.
Organic chemistry can look like a world of impossible names and unfamiliar shapes, but certain molecules have a day-to-day impact that’s worth understanding. Take 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole. It sports an imidazole ring anchored to a long, oily dodecyl chain—twelve carbons deep. This setup matters. The imidazole head likes water, but the extended tail prefers oils and fats. So, people want to know: just how much of this stuff will actually dissolve in water?
I’ve worked in labs where surfactants like this one turn up again and again. Plenty of chemists use 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole as a surfactant, hoping that the imidazole head will play nicely with water while the long tail runs with oils. But water solubility isn’t high. The dodecyl chain dominates; it pushes the molecule toward the oily phase. Scientific literature and chemical suppliers usually report 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole as ‘practically insoluble’ or ‘slightly soluble’ in water—less than 10 mg/L at room temperature. That’s much lower compared to simpler imidazoles.
People ask about water solubility for reasons that reach far past curiosity. In biological systems, solubility rules what happens next: bioavailability, toxicity, how much actually makes it to a target, or whether it aggregates and does nothing. My own time in drug formulation taught me how quickly a promising molecule can become a headache if it won’t dissolve. If a compound just sits there undissolved, it won’t reach its site of action, and recovery rates crash.
Industrial uses run into the same wall. Think cleaning formulations, emulsion stabilizers, or coatings—if one component falls out of solution, the final product turns cloudy or separates. That’s money lost in seconds. Even something as simple as environmental safety checks gets complicated. Poor solubility means the molecule hangs around in sediments or non-polar organic matter, not surface waters.
Facts matter, especially for those who need to predict performance. Academic journals confirm that 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole doesn’t mix well with plain water. Peer-reviewed data underline its hydrophobic nature, crediting that twelve-carbon chain for pushing the molecule out of solution. The imidazole ring alone dissolves, but stretching the chain swings the balance. Regulatory agencies list similar findings, warning that its fate in water bodies leads to accumulation in sediments rather than true dispersion.
Stuck with a handy molecule that won’t blend with water? Chemists attack the problem a few ways. Adding co-solvents like ethanol or propylene glycol opens the door for more 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole to slip into solution. Surfactant blends do the same; mix in molecules with shorter chains, and the combined mixture often dissolves better in water. Sometimes, pH adjustments work, especially since the imidazole ring picks up a positive charge under acidic conditions. In the lab, I’ve used cyclodextrins—large, donut-shaped molecules that trap oily chains and make difficult compounds more water-friendly.
Direct experience shows there is no quick fix; most improvements balance cost, safety, and product performance. The science points toward one truth: design decisions start with the reality of solubility. For folks choosing ingredients or building new formulations, understanding these limits saves time and money up front.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 1-dodecyl-1H-imidazole |
| Other names |
N-Dodecylimidazole 1-Imidazolyl-dodecane Laurylimidazole 1-Dodecylimidazole |
| Pronunciation | /ˈdoʊˌdɛsɪl ɪˈmɪdəˌzɔːl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 4303-67-7 |
| Beilstein Reference | Beilstein Reference: 107827 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:83345 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL281444 |
| ChemSpider | 68260 |
| DrugBank | DB08222 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d4d6d8-1e5e-4bac-a4eb-7c2f52567e9b |
| EC Number | 220-786-7 |
| Gmelin Reference | 102432 |
| KEGG | C19106 |
| MeSH | D008338 |
| PubChem CID | 12353 |
| RTECS number | JR1225000 |
| UNII | U4M7A12ZNA |
| UN number | UN2735 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C15H30N2 |
| Molar mass | 266.46 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow liquid |
| Odor | Aminic. |
| Density | 0.89 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 4.96 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.3E-4 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 7.41 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.56 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -73.48·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.485 |
| Viscosity | 41.5 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.59 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 459.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | “-107.65 kJ/mol” |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7110.0 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D01AE17 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302, H314 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P270, P273, P280, P301+P312, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P330, P337+P313, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-0-0-NFPA-HX |
| Flash point | 115°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 270 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): 830 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose) of 1-Dodecyl-1H-Imidazole: 940 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | UU1225000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.1 mg/m3 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Imidazole 1-Methylimidazole 1-Butylimidazole 1-Hexylimidazole 1-Octylimidazole 1-Decylimidazole 1-Tetradecylimidazole |
