(trans,trans)-4-Propyl-4'-ethyl-1,1'-bi(cyclohexane) is an organic compound with a specific molecular backbone built from two cyclohexane rings bonded at the 1,1' positions. On one ring sits a propyl group, on the other an ethyl, both extending outward in a fixed arrangement. The trans,trans designation means both rings twist so bulky groups avoid clashing, which gives the compound a sturdiness in shape—helpful when you need consistency batch after batch. The backbone structure does not yield under normal lab conditions; this endurance makes it a sought-after molecule whenever purity and defined geometry matter, such as display technologies or advanced chemical synthesis.
Products based on or including (trans,trans)-4-Propyl-4'-ethyl-1,1'-bi(cyclohexane) often emerge in liquid crystal applications because of their stable geometry. Flat-screen displays and some specialty sensors rely on raw materials that behave reliably under electrical influence—and this molecule helps deliver that. Raw material use also shows up in the paint, coatings, and materials science world, thanks to the molecular rigidity and chemical resistance that this particular structure brings to the table.
This bi(cyclohexane) compound crystallizes from a melt into solid, colorless or white flakes, powder, or even fine pearls, depending on how it’s handled after manufacturing. In its pure state, you see a melting point that stays steady across tested batches, often cited near 95°C—each time I see a reliable melt, I feel a sense of trust in the upstream handling and synthesis. The compound won’t dissolve in water, but it finds comfort in organic solvents, letting chemists blend it into more complex systems, or use it as a stable intermediate for advanced synthesis.
Look close at its molecular structure, and you see a long hydrocarbon framework, with a chemical formula of C17H32. The two cyclohexane rings at the heart form a strong, non-aromatic cycle; one ring sports a three-carbon propyl tail, the other a two-carbon ethyl. That geometry, both trans at the junction, locks the molecule into a rigid, rod-like state. In practical terms, that mechanical form creates order in liquid crystal mixtures and helps manage viscosity in engineered fluids. I recall trying to isolate this in an undergrad lab—the dense feel under a spatula hints at its compact structure even before spectroscopy starts.
Density lands near 0.85 g/cm³ at room temperature, just above most common hydrocarbons. In the lab, the material first appears as crystalline powder, but can be processed into larger pearls or bulk flakes for easier dosing. The compound’s stability over a wide temperature range cuts down losses during processing and transport. For volume applications, suppliers may deliver it in sealed containers, dry and inert, so that no moisture throws off purity. Solution work shows this bi(cyclohexane) dissolving readily in ethers and certain chlorinated solvents, so it’s easy to handle during synthesis and application development.
For trade and shipping, this molecule falls under HS Code 2906, which includes cyclohexane derivatives and other organic chemicals. A chemist or supplier tossing around this HS Code signals an awareness of customs and logistics, since borderline cases in organic intermediates risk delay—something I’ve watched bring whole projects to a halt when not handled with care. Knowing the right code, and communicating it clearly, spares everyone from headaches at ports or borders. Keeping paperwork straight grows crucial once quantities shift from a few grams in research to kilograms or tons in industrial supply.
Detailed property sheets list a molecular weight of 236.45 g/mol, and a boiling point typically above 300°C, highlighting its thermal stability. External appearance always shows a low vapor pressure, so the compound doesn’t evaporate or pose contamination hazard under ambient or moderate processing conditions. Laboratory tests, such as NMR or GC-MS, back up claims of purity and structure, and confirm that what’s on the label actually sits in the drum or jar. Whenever I look at a supplier certificate with those numbers matching, it gives a real sense of confidence.
Commercial and lab stock can show up as solid blocks, rough flakes, flowing powder, or small pearled granules. This flexibility in form isn’t a chemistry afterthought; it directly reflects how easy the material is to meter, weigh, and transfer. From my own bench time, I know powder sticks to gloves, pearls roll off, and flakes break with a spatula—each has its place in lab and industry. Specific gravity measurements stay close, regardless of form, and the physical layout only dictates speed of solution-making or ease of melting, not end use or behavior in mixtures. Changing the form often simply helps prevent dust, waste, or loss during transfer.
Heat the material and it heads into liquid form without decomposing, thanks to the tough cyclohexane backbone. In mixes with other liquid crystalline molecules, the rigid core aligns easily, encouraging ordered phases essential in modern display tech. In the right solvents a clear, strong solution forms quickly, leaving little to no residue. Cutting time on dissolution and mixing means faster throughput in commercial environments, which I’ve seen become make-or-break for fast innovators in electronics. High purity and consistent form help ensure that solutions behave the same every time.
While (trans,trans)-4-Propyl-4'-ethyl-1,1'-bi(cyclohexane) does not cause dangerous reactions under normal use, safe handling remains essential. Direct inhalation of dust, or contact with eyes and skin, can irritate and lead to discomfort. Proper air flow, suitable gloves, and standard lab coats always form the first line of defense—these are habits, not optional protocols, in settings where powdered or flaked chemicals get weighed out daily. Material Safety Data Sheets guide storage, reminding handlers to keep containers out of sunlight and away from incompatible chemicals. Spill cleanup focuses on vacuuming or gentle sweeping, rather than wet mopping, since water won’t dissolve the solid and could just cause slippage.
As a non-aromatic hydrocarbon, it shows low acute toxicity but should never end up in waterways or soil. Collecting waste and sending it for proper chemical recycling or incineration holds up as the responsible choice. From experience, ignoring these disposal rules can set off alarms during environmental inspections, posing not just fines but loss of trust with local communities. That reputational price, often ignored in the rush for efficiency, can sting a company for years. Workers need clear labeling and routine safety refreshers so they know how to manage a spill or improper exposure, even in emergencies.
Industries hungry for reliable liquid crystal materials or novel organic frameworks look to compounds like this as building blocks. As more consumer electronics demand high-definition, energy-efficient screens, pressure grows on suppliers to deliver ever-purer materials, with stable specification and predictable performance. Advanced research keeps pushing into spaces needing unusual molecular rigidity—like high-value plastics, specialty adhesives, or advanced coatings that shrug off heat or chemical attack. The clear, consistent results from this trans,trans bi(cyclohexane) mean it stays in focus as a raw material worth watching, managing, and improving wherever cutting-edge chemistry drives modern technology.
