Chemical Properties
clear light yellow liquid
Uses
HEPTANOIC ANHYDRIDE is an acid anhydride compound that can be used as an esterifying agent in the preparation of esterified polysaccharides.
Preparation
To a flask containing 15.8 gm (0.2 mole) of dry pyridine and 25 ml of dry benzene is rapidly added with stirring 14.8 gm (0.1 mole) of heptanoyl chloride. The reaction is only slightly exothermic and then 13.0 gm (0.1 mole) of heptanoic acid is added dropwise (5 min) causing the temperature to rise to 60-65°C. After stirring for 10 min, the solid (pyridinium hydrochloride) is quickly filtered, washed twice with 25 ml portions of dry benzene, the benzene washings concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue distilled to afford 19-20 gm (78-83%), b.p. 155-162°C (12 mm Hg), or 170-173°C (15 min).
Flammability and Explosibility
Non flammable
Safety
HEPTANOIC ANHYDRIDE is irritating and corrosive; contact may cause severe skin burns and eye damage, and may also trigger allergic skin reactions.
