1,10-Dichlorodecane stands out as a straight-chain alkyl chloride, built from a decane backbone with chlorine atoms replacing hydrogen at the first and tenth carbon positions. Familiar to anyone working with specialty solvents, it carries the molecular formula C10H20Cl2, bringing a molecular weight of roughly 211.2 g/mol. The structure delivers a clear example of dichlorinated alkanes: each end of a ten-carbon chain capped with chlorine, which changes its reactivity and gives it certain unique physical properties.
Pure 1,10-dichlorodecane comes as a liquid at room temperature. The density registers around 0.97 g/cm3 at 20°C, which puts it a touch heavier than water yet still manageable for handling and storage. Appearance-wise, many batches pour clear or slightly yellow-tinted, free from suspended solids. The boiling point hovers near 290°C, pointing to impressive thermal stability, and makes thermal degradation a lesser concern than with shorter-chain analogues. One whiff and you know it demands proper ventilation—a strong, sharp aroma common to chlorinated organics. Its melting point drops below -10°C, keeping it liquid under most conditions.
Chemically, the two terminal chlorines dictate how this compound behaves in synthesis. Each chloride group offers an entryway for nucleophilic substitution or elimination reactions, a feature that synthetic chemists appreciate when building surfactants, lubricants, or fine chemical intermediates. Under regular pressures, it resists breakdown, but prolonged exposure to strong bases or nucleophiles severs the carbon-chlorine bond. In routine work, storing it in airtight containers, using inert atmospheres where possible, protects against unwanted side reactions.
On the market, 1,10-dichlorodecane almost always arrives as a clear liquid, though on rare occasions, crystal-like flakes may form at low temperatures or in highly pure states. No fine powders, pearls, or granules—liquid remains the format for safe, practical distribution. Sourcing starts with decane or related hydrocarbons, then direct chlorination adds the two terminal chlorine atoms. Early in my career, ordering specialty alkyl chlorides meant confirming the physical form, as storage tanks or glass bottles each suit different production scales.
Shipping labels for 1,10-dichlorodecane most often display the HS Code 2903.19. The number flags it as a halogenated hydrocarbon, alerting customs and carriers to its regulated, industrial nature. Safety data calls for gloves, goggles, and reliable ventilation—direct contact or inhalation has documented risks, as with many chlorinated organics. Skin and respiratory irritation present the main concerns, while good practice never assumes any chlorinated hydrocarbon can be handled casually. My background in chemical manufacturing taught the value of rigorous risk assessments; the health impacts from repeated exposure stay real even for compounds with a modest profile like this one.
1,10-dichlorodecane earns classification as harmful and even hazardous depending on the jurisdiction. Spills demand controlled cleanup; the liquid resists breaking down quickly in the environment, so long-term effects linger if it reaches soil or water. Environmental scientists watching the fate of halogenated substances know the story well—persistent compounds ask for cautious use, responsible disposal, and strict respect for recommended exposure limits. Whether in a research lab or industrial plant, secondary containment, emergency eyewash stations, and chemical waste plans each play a role.
Practical solutions for handling 1,10-dichlorodecane center on engineering controls and training. Installing closed transfer systems, upgrading ventilation, and automating delivery reduce opportunities for spills or exposure. Product labeling should spell out risks in plain language, not just dense technical terms, so every handler stays aware. In cases where substitution is possible, less hazardous analogs or alternative methods can shrink harm without sacrificing product performance. Drawing from experience, safety in process chemistry means looking past the basic MSDS—engaging every worker, running regular drills, and reviewing incident data bring real-world improvements.
1,10-Dichlorodecane serves as a niche but vital raw material for specialty synthesis, lubricants, and research. Its strong chemical bonds, paired with flexibility at both terminal chlorines, give it a range of uses in industrial and laboratory chemistry. Despite its utility, every user needs to respect the real hazards tied to its chlorinated structure. Buy wisely, store securely, ventilate every workspace, and keep strong spill-response plans nearby—the same rules that have anchored chemical reliability for decades. Responsible sourcing, handling, and waste procedures make 1,10-dichlorodecane a productive ally instead of an underestimated risk in the production line.
