1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene shows up in chemical supply catalogs as a distinctive organic compound carrying a recognizable aromatic and cycloalkyl structure. Chemists tend to spot it under its systematic IUPAC name or, occasionally, trade references. This material comes together from a methoxy-substituted benzene ring directly attached to a trans-propylcyclohexyl side chain. Its structure gets mapped as C16H24O, locking in a molecular weight near 232.36 g/mol. At room temperature, the compound takes physical form as either fine flakes, powder, small pearls, or in some batches, crystalline solids, depending on the manufacturing and purification route. My own lab work over the years has shown that aromatic ethers like this one often land somewhere between crystal and powder: slight pressure turns solid pieces into dense, flowable granules.
1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene exhibits a mild, almost unnoticeable odor typical of many aromatic ethers. Its color usually ranges from nearly white to faintly yellow, a detail frequently verified in batch-to-batch quality checks. Density readings hover near 1.03 g/cm3 at 20°C. This detail lands close to many common nonpolar aromatic intermediates, and practical experience in the warehouse reveals storage drums feel reassuringly substantial but never heavy or syrupy like denser chemical oils or polymers. The compound resists dissolution in water, instead preferring organic solvents—toluene, hexane, and diethyl ether pick it up easily in the lab or production lines. Even under moderate temperature, it remains stable, with a melting point often reported just above room temperature, between 38°C and 43°C, although exact numbers depend on slight shift from purity or environmental humidity. Slow heating transforms the flakes into a transparent, almost oily liquid, which reverses back to crystals on cooling. Flash point tends to rise over 100°C, pushing it into a lower hazard bracket for fires compared to more volatile aromatic ethers. My time dealing with organic intermediates underscores the value of this: routine handling rarely triggers high vapor emissions.
The defining feature of 1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene lies in its structure: a methoxy group at the para position of a benzene ring, paired with a bulky cyclohexyl ring substituted with a trans-propyl group at the fourth position. Stereochemistry matters here; the trans configuration locks the propyl side chain opposite the methoxy group, impacting both melting point and solubility. The formula C16H24O spells out each atom present and reveals a relatively high hydrocarbon content. This configuration lets the molecule readily serve as a building block or raw intermediate for higher-value specialty materials. Modern analytical labs draw its outline in their chemical databases, often noting the unique symmetry and lack of reactive double bonds or active halogen sites, which sets it apart from more hazardous benzene derivatives.
Specifications in commercial supply contracts nail down purity, typically above 98%, as measured by gas chromatography or HPLC. Water content rarely exceeds 0.3%, since excessive moisture can disrupt downstream synthesis. Granule size or particle form—flakes, powder, or pearls—affect flow in mixing hoppers or automated scales, but don’t change the chemistry. Each drum or bottle carries clear hazard labeling following global GHS standards. For customs and trade documentation, the Harmonized System (HS) Code most frequently linked with 1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene falls under 2909.30, reserved for ether derivatives. This classification speeds customs clearance while helping track international movements and compliance.
The molecule’s tough cyclohexyl backbone and stable aromatic ether linkage open doors for use in fine chemical synthesis, liquid crystal display formulations, and occasionally as an intermediate for specialty polymers or additives. What I’ve seen in industry is a steady demand from electronic display manufacturers in East Asia, where such materials help tune the alignment and thermal properties of liquid crystal mixtures. Further downstream, organic synthesis specialists tap into the compound’s stability when working under mild reaction conditions. Sourcing raw materials draws from well-known supply chains for methoxybenzene (anisole) and various cyclohexylcarboxylates, then merges them through Friedel-Crafts or Suzuki-type coupling reactions, fostering both scalability and reproducibility. Process chemists often prefer raw materials with robust supply lines to minimize risk of batch variation or contamination.
1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene presents moderate handling risk. Low volatility reduces inhalation dangers compared to lighter aromatic compounds, but direct contact may cause skin or eye irritation. I’ve handled similar ethers with gloves and safety glasses; ordinary chemical hygiene works here. SDS documentation usually slots this compound in the “harmful” or “irritant” class rather than “toxic.” Spillage rarely creates acute hazards, though facilities with proper ventilation and solvent-resistant flooring improve worker safety. Waste disposal follows local guidelines for aromatic ethers, never poured to drain but collected for high-temperature incineration with other chemical residue. Firefighters respond as with most aromatics: foam, carbon dioxide, or dry powder extinguishers take priority, water can spread surface contamination. Safe storage calls for sealed, clearly labeled containers kept away from direct flame or UV light sources. Over years in the lab, simple attention to containment and proper labeling has kept incidents rare. Safe handling training for new staff limits exposure.
Hazards relate more to accidental bulk exposure or improper chemical storage than acute toxicity. Without proper containment, powdery forms may spread fine dust that leads to minor irritation or, in rare cases, allergic reactions. To avoid this, facilities lean on dust extraction hoods and sealed feeders. Environmental risks stay low, as the molecule lacks highly mobile or persistent functional groups; even so, responsible chemical management means never dumping wash solvents or rejected batches. Bulk users need reliable supply partnerships to navigate periodic shifts in global raw material prices—my network has learned to negotiate flexible contracts or hold rolling inventories to avoid sudden stoppages. In the event of a large accidental spill, SPS (Soil Protection Services) recommend absorbent sand or disposal mats. Fire response protocols remain standard for aromatic ether mixtures and require no exotic training.
1-Methoxy-4-(trans-4-propylcyclohexyl)benzene draws attention in the materials sector for its stability, low volatility, and useful melting point. It stays safe with routine chemical hygiene, while HS code and specification documentation ensure smooth global trade and compliance. Continued demand from liquid crystal and organic synthesis markets drives research into even more precise production and analytical methods, promising long-term relevance for this molecule. Industry groups, academic labs, and environmental safety boards keep updated guidance on new toxicological findings and evolving regulatory standards. Anyone working with or around this molecule benefits from staying current with SDS sheets, peer-reviewed studies, and trade bulletins, which together form the backbone of safe and effective handling in today’s chemical industry.
