The molar mass of salicylaldehyde is 122.12 g/mol.
Understanding Molar Mass
Molar mass represents the mass of one mole of a chemical substance, typically expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). It is a crucial property for understanding the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions and stoichiometry. For any compound, its molar mass is determined by summing the atomic masses of all the atoms present in its chemical formula.
Salicylaldehyde is an organic compound notable for its distinctive, often described as bitter almond-like, aroma. It is an aromatic aldehyde that features both an aldehyde (-CHO) group and a hydroxyl (-OH) group directly attached to a benzene ring. Its chemical formula is C₇H₆O₂.
Calculating the Molar Mass of Salicylaldehyde
To precisely determine the molar mass of salicylaldehyde, we account for the atomic masses of its constituent elements: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O).
Here's the elemental composition of salicylaldehyde:
- Carbon (C): 7 atoms
- Hydrogen (H): 6 atoms
- Oxygen (O): 2 atoms
Using the standard approximate atomic masses for each element:
- Carbon (C): 12.011 g/mol
- Hydrogen (H): 1.008 g/mol
- Oxygen (O): 15.999 g/mol
The calculation for the total molar mass proceeds as follows:
- Mass contributed by Carbon: 7 atoms × 12.011 g/mol/atom = 84.077 g/mol
- Mass contributed by Hydrogen: 6 atoms × 1.008 g/mol/atom = 6.048 g/mol
- Mass contributed by Oxygen: 2 atoms × 15.999 g/mol/atom = 31.998 g/mol
Summing these individual contributions yields the total molar mass:
84.077 g/mol + 6.048 g/mol + 31.998 g/mol = 122.123 g/mol
When rounded to two decimal places, this calculated value is 122.12 g/mol, which is the widely accepted molar mass for salicylaldehyde.
Molar Mass Calculation Summary
| Element | Number of Atoms | Atomic Mass (g/mol) | Total Mass (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon | 7 | 12.011 | 84.077 |
| Hydrogen | 6 | 1.008 | 6.048 |
| Oxygen | 2 | 15.999 | 31.998 |
| Total | 122.123 |
Rounded to two decimal places, the molar mass of salicylaldehyde is 122.12 g/mol.
Properties and Uses of Salicylaldehyde
Understanding the molar mass is fundamental, but the practical applications and other properties of salicylaldehyde further highlight its significance in various fields.
Key Chemical and Physical Properties
- Appearance: Typically found as a clear to yellowish oily liquid.
- Odor: Possesses a characteristic pungent, somewhat bitter almond-like aroma.
- Solubility: It is sparingly soluble in water but readily mixes with common organic solvents like ethanol, ether, and benzene.
- Boiling Point: It boils at approximately 196 °C (385 °F), indicating it is a relatively non-volatile compound.
- Reactivity: As an aromatic aldehyde with an adjacent hydroxyl group, it is highly reactive and can participate in various organic reactions, including condensation, oxidation (to salicylic acid), and reduction (to salicyl alcohol).
Practical Applications
Salicylaldehyde's unique structure and properties make it a valuable compound with diverse applications across several industries:
- Flavor and Fragrance Industry: Its distinct scent profile makes it a popular ingredient in the formulation of perfumes, soaps, and various food flavorings, particularly to impart bitter almond or coumarin-like notes.
- Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a vital intermediate in the production of a wide array of other organic chemicals, including:
- Coumarin: A widely used fragrance and flavor compound.
- Pharmaceuticals: Precursor for various salicylic acid derivatives, some of which have medicinal properties.
- Chelating Agents: Its molecular structure allows it to form stable complexes with metal ions, making it useful in designing chelating ligands.
- Analytical Chemistry: Employed as a reagent in specific analytical tests, such as those used for the detection and quantification of primary amines.
- Pesticides: In some instances, it acts as a building block in the synthesis of certain types of pesticides.
For comprehensive details on salicylaldehyde's chemical profile, including safety data and additional properties, resources such as PubChem can provide extensive information.
