Long before 2-Octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole found its way into modern research labs, imidazoline structures caught chemists’ interest for their rich chemistry and promising biological activities. In the early days, advances in synthesis during the late 19th century gave rise to heterocyclic frameworks, but commercially relevant 2-octyl derivatives only surfaced after the Second World War, as pharmaceutical research zoomed in on new therapeutic scaffolds. Drug development teams saw these molecules as useful building blocks for a variety of potential applications—driven by a fascination with the ring system’s reactivity and the effect of aliphatic substitutions like octyl groups. Veterans in the field will remember the spike in imidazoline interest during the 1980s, as medicinal chemistry moved into more specialized molecules that could modulate key physiological pathways.
Call it 2-octyl-4,5-dihydroimidazole, N-octylimidazoline, or simply its shorter trade names, the compound slots into the imidazoline family, carrying a distinctively pliable eight-carbon chain that draws both attention and function. Among laboratory reagents, it is more than a bench staple; it’s found in fine chemical catalogs for synthesis, crop protection, corrosion prevention, and as a building block for more complex pharmaceutical molecules. The compound’s versatility comes down to the combination of its saturated ring and a hydrophobic tail that can tweak a molecule’s interaction with both biological and industrial environments.
On the lab bench, 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole appears as a pale oily liquid or low-melting white solid, with a melting point just above room temperature—typically around 18-21°C. It has a faint amine-like odor, hinting at the nitrogen in its ring. Its molecular formula is C11H22N2, weighing in at a modest 182.31 g/mol. The molecule dissolves well in organic solvents like chloroform, dichloromethane, and ethanol, but don’t expect much solubility in water due to the substantial hydrocarbon tail. The octyl side chain doesn’t just nudge it toward fat solubility—it also makes the compound tenaciously persistent in low-polarity environments, making it a reliable candidate for non-polar phase extractions or certain surface modification reactions.
In the lab and marketplace, 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole comes with specific technical guidelines. Purity standards often exceed 98%, with residual solvents strictly controlled, and maximum limits on water content (often less than 0.1%). Standard packaging involves amber glass bottles or industrial-grade plastic containers, sealed tightly and often under inert atmosphere if shipment occurs in bulk. Safety labels center on the product’s potential for eye and skin irritation and the need for proper ventilation when handling larger volumes. Clear batch numbers and certificate of analysis data reassure users about provenance and compliance, reflecting the tight regulations around specialty chemicals.
Most manufacturers reach for a reductive cyclization technique when crafting 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole. A common route involves condensation of octylamine with glyoxal or a similar α-dicarbonyl compound under carefully controlled temperature, followed by hydrogenation or reductive amination to saturate the imidazoline ring. Some optimize this step with catalytic hydrogenation (Raney Nickel or palladium on carbon do the trick) to crank up yields and minimize side products. Impurities can easily sneak in during cyclization, so purification by vacuum distillation or chromatographic methods becomes vital for high-end applications. Specialty labs might fine-tune reaction conditions to favor certain ring isomers, or to integrate isotopic labels for research work.
The chemistry of 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole ranges from simple acylations to more complex ring transformations. The nitrogen lone pairs open doors for alkylation, allowing attachment of functional groups or radiolabels. The saturated ring resists oxidative degradation better than imidazoles, and the octyl group withstands many harsh reagents, lending stability to reaction mixtures. Chemical modifications usually happen at the N1 or N3 positions, which can alter receptor binding properties or solubility profiles. Cross-coupling and functionalization experiments often use this molecule as a testbed to develop greener or more efficient methods. The molecule’s robust structure and clean reaction pathways help chemists probe bioisosteric replacements, especially during the search for soft, drug-like alternatives to traditional imidazole drugs.
Walk into any laboratory store or browse online catalogs, and you might bump into a long list of names: N-octylimidazoline, 2-n-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole, octylimidazoline, and various internal codes from suppliers. CAS registry numbers ensure accuracy in ordering, sidestepping regional or supplier-based naming quirks. Specialty manufacturers sometimes tag it with trade names or abbreviations in formulations for corrosion inhibitors or textile auxiliaries, though chemists tend to keep the IUPAC name handy for clarity on technical datasheets and safety records.
Every professional who’s spent time with imidazoline-type compounds knows their direct contact should be handled with care. Safety goggles, gloves, and chemical fume hoods aren’t negotiable, since the compound often irritates skin and mucous membranes. Data from Material Safety Data Sheets remind us about respiratory tract sensitivity if dust or aerosolized particles form, and good laboratory practice ensures air extraction runs at all times during handling. Although not among the highest hazard class, 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole still commands respect. Standard spill procedures involve absorbent materials followed by safe disposal and careful cleaning, as oily residues can hang around and attract contaminants. Storage away from strong oxidizers and acids, plus management under cool, dry, and dark conditions extends shelf life and keeps decomposition at bay.
Industrially, 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole turns up in specialty lubricants, corrosion inhibitors, textile auxiliary agents, and certain pesticides. Manufacturers value its corrosion resistance for protecting steel pipes and machinery, especially in the oil and gas sector. In crop protection, its presence in formulations comes down to both bioactivity and surfactant-like properties, helping with solubility and persistence on plant surfaces. In laboratories, researchers test its imidazoline ring for receptor-binding properties, with applications reaching into cardiovascular drug development and adrenergic receptor studies. Certain cosmetic and personal care formulations include derivatives, banking on stability and low acute toxicity to offer new emollient blends. In research, some teams push boundaries by integrating it into innovative nanomaterial surface modifications, banking on its tough backbone and hydrophobic chain.
Recent years have seen a surge in studies aimed at unlocking the pharmacological and material science prospects of octyl-substituted imidazolines. Pharmacy researchers target the molecule’s ring for cardiovascular drug leads, citing evidence from adrenergic agonist research. Chemists compare analogues with varying alkyl chain lengths, digging into structure-activity relationships and fine-tuning receptor selectivity. Environmental scientists chase the molecule’s degradability and fate, especially as concerns about persistent organic pollutants rise. Polymer scientists look to modify 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole and tie it to backbone units or graft it onto nanosurfaces, searching for improved coatings and biocompatible materials. Open-access journals and conference proceedings provide a front-row seat to these developments, reflecting both successes and ongoing challenges in tuning the molecule for specific target profiles.
Data from animal studies and cell-based assays indicate moderate toxicity profiles, with LD50 values safely above those for common pesticides or high-risk chemicals, but the compound can cause skin and eye irritation. Long-term exposure studies remain limited, a fact that keeps regulatory agencies on alert and underlines the need for well-controlled trials before the compound moves into consumer products. Environmental risk assessments have shown that its hydrophobicity might lead to accumulation in soil and sediment if released in industrial quantities, yet bioaccumulation rates remain lower than for many halogenated organics. Lab safety officers emphasize efficient containment and disposal, reflecting a practical approach to handling and minimizing unnecessary exposure.
Interest in 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole continues to rise as researchers chase new drug targets, improved corrosion inhibitors, and next-generation materials. The growing push for sustainable chemistry points toward greener routes for synthesis, safer manufacturing practices, and biodegradable analogues. Collaborations between academic groups and industry partners drive both high-throughput screening and practical applications. As scientists find creative ways to tweak the molecular backbone, public and regulatory interest will likely bring more in-depth toxicity and environmental fate studies. It is a strong reminder than discovery doesn’t end with initial application, but extends toward responsible stewardship and a balanced look at both risk and opportunity.
Ask any tire technician about the key building blocks of rubber compounds, and you’re in for a chemistry lesson you probably didn’t expect. One name that pops up in those conversations: 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole. At first glance, the name looks more at home on a pharmacy label than in a conversation about rubber production. Thing is, this chemical has become a quiet workhorse in the world of industrial antioxidants and accelerators.
With so many machines rolling over asphalt every day, tires face enormous stress, not just from friction, but from a barrage of oxygen, heat and ozone. Most people wouldn’t think about what keeps the rubber flexible, or stops those cracks from creeping in before the tire wears out. 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole steps in as an antioxidant, helping rubber resist that steady grind of age and weather.
From personal experience working alongside folks who repair and inspect heavy equipment, I’ve seen the headaches caused by early rubber degradation. Cracked hoses, brittle seals, tires losing their bounce—every failed rubber part means wasted money and safety risks. The industry keeps turning to this compound because it helps rubber materials last longer, keep their form, and keep people safe without frequent replacements.
Older tires, cables and industrial belts lost their punch fast. Air exposure, sunlight, and heat would quickly leave them vulnerable. Companies started adding specialized chemicals to rubber during production. 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole proved popular because it helps build a sort of chemical “shield” that gives materials a better shot against those everyday triggers for breakdown.
It’s not just about tires, either. Watch any factory floor, oil refinery or power station—rubber seals play crucial roles in equipment big and small. If a pump gasket cracks during operation, that downtime leads to losses and safety hazards. Adding proven antioxidants like this imidazole derivative means operations can trust their rubber parts to hold up in harsh environments.
Every chemical has its tradeoffs. Questions come up about toxicity, workplace exposure, and environmental runoff. From what’s been recorded in material safety data, 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole doesn’t pose the highest risks compared to some old-school antioxidants, but responsible handling and storage still matter. Disposal practices need watching, both for worker health and the sake of waterways downstream from the plant.
Factories lean on reliability, and the right additives help products hold up under stress. Watching the timeline of industrial rubber parts over the last few decades, you can see how new compounds make a difference: fewer premature failures, more uptime, better value stretched over thousands of miles or hours of running time.
Researchers and manufacturers spend plenty of time searching for next-generation solutions—materials that resist aging without piling on risks to workers or the planet. If innovations like 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole can deliver performance and keep hazards low, the real winners are the people relying on car tires, factory machines or a safe ride to work each day.
Working around chemicals like 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole pulls experience and training into focus. Every worker in a lab or plant can tell you—complacency invites accidents. Safety doesn’t mean padding procedures for the sake of rules. It’s about reducing harm and making sure a day on the job doesn’t end badly for anyone.
This imidazole derivative poses certain risks, both in the short term and down the road. Inhalation, swallowing, or skin contact can cause health problems. Some chemicals are sneaky—you can’t smell or see the vapors, so you have to trust the data sheets and your own training. Inhalation risks often go ignored until a headache or cough kicks in, but chronic exposure to similar compounds has caused more serious conditions in workers over the years. That’s the real backbone behind chemical safety practices.
Gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat give a solid first line of defense. Nitrile gloves work against a lot of organic solvents, unlike the thin latex gloves you keep under the sink. Chemical splash goggles make you look like a bug, but they stop droplets from finding your eyes. A lab coat won’t just keep your shirt clean—it hems in spills and stops minor splashes from hitting your skin. In large scale production, disposable coveralls or rubber aprons add protection and can be tossed if contaminated.
The air matters more than most people realize. Fume hoods aren’t just for show—they move airborne chemicals away from your face, making accidental inhalation much less likely. I’ve worked in places without enough ventilation, and the brain fog isn’t something you forget. Exhaust fans or filtered systems help keep harmful vapors at bay, especially during transfers or weighing.
Treat every spill with respect, even a few drops on the scale. Absorbent pads, chemical neutralizer, and gloves should sit within easy reach. Throwing sawdust on a chemical spill might have been someone’s fix in the past, but now, proper absorbents and a protocol prevent burns and bad cleanup jobs. Storage means cool, dry rooms and tightly sealed containers with clear labels. Never stack similar bottles or crowd containers together because damages often happen during rough handling and hurried moves.
You only get one set of lungs and one shot at your eyesight. Knowing what to do when things go wrong makes all the difference. People new to a chemical rely on experienced coworkers to show them the ropes. Annual refreshers and clear instructions save more than time—they save skin and sometimes lives. A safety data sheet should never gather dust. I’ve seen accidents that could have been prevented if someone spoke up before starting a new process or noticed a missing label.
Finding less hazardous substitutes can sometimes eliminate the need for such strict precautions. Investing in better ventilation and reliable PPE pays off. Sharing near-miss stories helps others avoid the same pitfalls. With every safety step, it’s not about ticking boxes—it’s about sending everyone home safe at the end of a shift.
Chemistry always offers up something new to learn, and 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole proves that point. Its mouthful of a name actually hints at what’s going on inside its molecular structure. There’s no magic here—just some honest carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen working together in a way that’s both practical and interesting.
Let’s start with the backbone: imidazole. Imidazole itself is a five-membered ring, comprising three carbons and two nitrogens separated by single bonds and a double bond. In the 4,5-dihydro version, those two carbons at the 4 and 5 positions pick up extra hydrogens, saturating what would normally be a double bond. That gives it a more flexible 'dihydro' ring, instead of the traditional aromatic version.
Throw an octyl group at position 2—a straight chain of eight carbons—and you’ve given the molecule some serious heft in the non-polar department. This chain makes the molecule more likely to dissolve in oil than in water, a key feature for chemists who need hydrophobic materials.
2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole carries the formula C11H22N2. Let’s break that down. The octyl chain (C8H17) links off the second position of the imidazole ring, which itself contributes three carbons, four hydrogens (two from each saturated site, plus originals), and a pair of nitrogens. Realistically, when chemists draw it, they show the five-membered ring with side chains sticking out, and often abbreviate that long octyl tail for convenience.
This particular structure stands apart from more familiar imidazoles, like histamine or imidazole itself, exactly because of the octyl addition and the reduced ring. For a practitioner in the lab, it means different reactivity, solubility, and a chance at uses that common imidazoles can’t offer.
In experience, molecules with long alkyl chains and heterocyclic rings find their way into places as diverse as medicine, industrial lubricants, and even detergents. Not every lab has this compound on hand, but the rules of chemical reactivity stay the same. Stick a nonpolar tail onto a polar head and you’ve got something that sits right at the boundary of oil and water. This makes 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole handy as an intermediate for specialty surfactants, anti-microbial agents, or even as building blocks for advanced drug molecules. The extra bulk from the octyl group helps tweak its behavior in biological systems, including how easily it crosses cell membranes or how strongly it binds certain enzymes.
Anyone synthesizing this compound should be ready for the difficulties in adding that long carbon chain cleanly and ensuring purity in the product. Tricky reactions and purification steps—such as column chromatography—often become part of the routine. Finding greener solvents, improving reaction efficiency, and developing robust analytical methods to confirm the structure help make this more accessible and sustainable for both academic and industrial chemists.
Whether you’re seeking to experiment in pharmaceuticals or innovate in functional materials, understanding the chemistry behind molecules like 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole gives a real advantage in designing better products and processes in the lab.
Someone working in a lab or supply room probably knows how easy it is to underestimate chemicals that aren’t flashy or immediately dangerous. 2-Octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole doesn’t make headlines like strong acids, but that doesn’t take away from the care it deserves. This compound gets used in specialty applications, coatings, and sometimes as a corrosion inhibitor. Proper storage isn’t just a technicality—it’s insurance for your colleagues, facility, and even your local environment.
Many people toss around the phrase “store at room temperature,” but with organic compounds like this imidazole, that guideline doesn’t cover every risk. Studies and supplier bulletins recommend keeping it in a cool, dry place. A site in the southern U.S. put theirs near an outside wall; seasonal heat spiked, and caking and discoloration followed. Heat speeds up decomposition, sometimes giving off irritating fumes or breaking down the molecule into something unpredictable. The shelf above a radiator or next to a window doesn’t cut it.
Moisture is a real threat. Imidazoles tend to grab onto water vapor, often without anyone noticing right away. Water in the container can degrade the purity and quality, sometimes leading to wasted batches or the risk of side products. A tightly sealed container solves most of that problem, especially with silica gel packets inside, just like you’d protect expensive electronics. Some labs stretch this by using dedicated desiccators, a step worth the extra effort if the chemical supports critical work.
If you’ve ever left coffee out too long, you know oxidation changes things fast. The same goes for organic compounds. Exposure to air, and to a lesser degree light, can compromise 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole. Amber bottles and storing in closed cabinets make a noticeable difference. A colleague recounted a batch left on a cart near a window; it yellowed and lost consistency in just a month. Once that happens, you can’t trust property specs like melting point or reactivity for your experiments or production line.
Suppliers put work into container choice for good reason. Switching out the container, or topping off from a bulk drum into open jars, boosts the odds of contamination or a safety slip. If a material’s to be used in small amounts over time, transferring under a fume hood and re-sealing every time keeps the risk to others low. I’ve seen labs get in trouble for casual scooping from shared bins—one misplaced scoop left behind dust, and half the lab sneezed for a week.
Keeping track of how long a chemical has been open matters. Log sheets aren’t just to satisfy auditors; they help spot quality issues before anyone gets hurt. Labeling each bottle with the date opened, noting any changes in appearance, and setting review reminders save a lot of headaches. Trained eyes spot problems early, stopping a bad sample before it hits the reactor.
Protecting staff, reliable results, and fewer chemical disposal headaches all trace back to how carefully storage practices are followed. Investing attention up front prevents costly surprises later. That’s the real payoff of careful storage—protecting people and the tools they use, every day.
Anyone who’s worked in lab settings or manufacturing knows that not all chemicals roll off the line with identical purity. You see a name like 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole, but the real world cares as much about purity as it does about structure. Ask a bench chemist who’s tried to run an analytic test, or a formulation scientist tuning an active ingredient—the headaches come out fast when a batch runs even slightly off-purity.
Suppliers usually offer multi-tiered purity grades for specialty organics: technical, laboratory, and high-purity (sometimes tagged “analytical” or “research”). These categories show up on certificates of analysis and shipping manifests, with numbers like 90%, 95%, 98%, or above. Why not buy the cleanest every time? In practice, price, intended use, and compatibility with downstream processes guide those decisions.
Labs running high-stakes research reach for the highest grade they can get. Impurities throw off spectroscopy, chromatography, and kinetic studies. In my own experience, a persistent artifact tracked back to an off-the-shelf “technical” sample once cost us weeks of troubleshooting. It turned out the supplier had changed their synthesis route, shifting some byproducts, and the technical grade we relied on carried just enough of the impurity to invade every spectrum.
Industrial buyers often accept technical grades for large-scale applications—think lubrication additives, building blocks for further synthesis, or additives in non-reactive roles. These use cases don’t always require ultra-high purity, but strict documentation becomes crucial. Manufacturers expect certificates showing impurity profiles, moisture content, and trace metal levels, because reviews from regulatory bodies or end-users sometimes catch overlooked contaminants with serious safety implications.
The pharmaceutical space doesn’t gamble with unknowns. Pharmacopeial grades and trace analytical characterization are standard, and procurement people chase down every spectral fingerprint before signing off on a delivery. Any impurity—even just above trace—has the potential to shift toxicity or create unpredictable reaction products. These concerns mirror my time in quality assurance, where recall risk grew if a supplier couldn't back up their batch with hard data.
Not every vendor produces each purity grade. Some focus on bulk technical supply, others carve out niches in high-purity. It’s not rare to see manufacturers offering custom purification or documentation, but that usually adds to lead time and cost. Researchers working on a shoestring budget sometimes try to clean up technical grade with lab techniques like recrystallization—though this route feels like cutting corners if strict reproducibility or regulatory requirements matter.
Smart sourcing starts with an honest assessment of what the material will do in your process. Request certificates of analysis, check for recent method validation, and quiz suppliers on their batch-to-batch controls. For those developing final products, it pays to buy one grade higher than absolutely necessary; it’s cheaper than troubleshooting a failed run or regulatory pushback later. If suppliers can’t give a clear impurity breakdown, keep moving.
Seeking out distributors who maintain relationships with respected producers helps dodge gray-market risks. For teams worried about the supply chain, partnering early with chemical brokers or logistics experts keeps surprises to a minimum and helps secure lots with known provenance.
The question isn’t just whether multiple grades exist for 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole—of course they do. The deeper concern lies in choosing the right grade, from a supplier who won’t fudge the details. With solid documentation and the right questions, teams make smarter, safer decisions, protect their workflow, and get more sleep at night.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-octyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole |
| Other names |
2-Octyl-2-imidazoline 2-Octyl-4,5-dihydroimidazole 2-Octylimidazoline |
| Pronunciation | /ˈtuː ˈɒk.tɪl ˌfɔːr.faɪv daɪˈhaɪ.drəʊ wʌn eɪtʃ ɪˈmɪd.əˌzəʊl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 6306-52-1 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `4FCQrwNljW0M1F5QkPu1TxL6XN8mHn5jN6Q4wA9QMnFcz7Zg6ZT8AAAGFLS0lDQVRR8xQAAABFbmQ=` |
| Beilstein Reference | 108979 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:134831 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3401183 |
| ChemSpider | 23123399 |
| DrugBank | DB11487 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03d0c6f8-2be3-4097-8cb4-746c7f8d5cbc |
| EC Number | EC 205-883-8 |
| Gmelin Reference | 59737 |
| KEGG | C18852 |
| MeSH | D017718 |
| PubChem CID | 10532 |
| RTECS number | PA1575000 |
| UNII | 2B623R6T3N |
| UN number | UN1993 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C11H22N2 |
| Molar mass | 168.29 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to yellow liquid |
| Odor | amine-like |
| Density | 0.94 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 2.62 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.09 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 11.4 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.36 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.491 |
| Viscosity | 102 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 3.83 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 399.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -95.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7906 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | C01EB07 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. Causes skin irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P362+P364, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-2-0 |
| Flash point | 85 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 270 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 1830 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 = 500 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NT8050000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for 2-Octyl-4,5-Dihydro-1H-Imidazole: Not Established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.5 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
2-Phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 2-Methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 2-n-Propyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 2-Isopropyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazole 2-Octylimidazole 4,5-Dihydro-1H-imidazole |
