6-mercapto-1-hexanol Molecular Weight Calculator

Calculate Molecular Weight

What is 6-Mercapto-1-hexanol?

6-Mercapto-1-hexanol, also known as 6-hydroxyhexyl mercaptan, is an organic chemical compound featuring both a thiol (-SH) functional group and a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. This bifunctional nature makes it a versatile molecule in organic synthesis and materials science. Its chemical formula is C₆H₁₄OS. The presence of the thiol group, characterized by a sulfur-hydrogen bond, imparts unique reactivity, particularly in forming disulfide bonds or interacting with metal surfaces. The hydroxyl group, on the other hand, allows for reactions typical of alcohols, such as esterification or ether formation. Understanding the 6-mercapto-1-hexanol molecular weight is fundamental for stoichiometric calculations in chemical reactions, determining molar concentrations, and characterizing the compound in analytical procedures.

This compound is primarily used by chemists, researchers, and students in academic and industrial laboratories. It serves as a building block for more complex molecules, a surface modifier in nanotechnology, and a component in the synthesis of polymers and pharmaceuticals.

A common misconception is that its properties are solely dictated by its six-carbon chain. However, the thiol and hydroxyl groups are the primary drivers of its chemical behavior and applications. Another misconception might be about its odor; thiols are often associated with strong, unpleasant smells, and while 6-mercapto-1-hexanol does have an odor, its specific characteristics depend on purity and concentration.

6-Mercapto-1-hexanol Molecular Weight Formula and Mathematical Explanation

Calculating the molecular weight of any compound, including 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, involves summing the atomic weights of all atoms present in its molecular formula. The molecular formula for 6-mercapto-1-hexanol is C₆H₁₄OS. This means one molecule contains 6 carbon atoms, 14 hydrogen atoms, 1 sulfur atom, and 0 oxygen atoms.

The formula used by this 6-mercapto-1-hexanol molecular weight calculator is:

Molecular Weight = (Number of C atoms × Atomic Weight of C) + (Number of H atoms × Atomic Weight of H) + (Number of S atoms × Atomic Weight of S) + (Number of O atoms × Atomic Weight of O)

Let's break down the variables:

Variables and Atomic Weights

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Value (g/mol)
C	Carbon	g/mol	12.011
H	Hydrogen	g/mol	1.008
S	Sulfur	g/mol	32.06
O	Oxygen	g/mol	15.999
Number of Atoms	Count of each element in the molecule	–	Variable (e.g., 6 for C, 14 for H, 1 for S, 0 for O)

For 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (C₆H₁₄OS):

• Number of Carbon atoms = 6
• Number of Hydrogen atoms = 14
• Number of Sulfur atoms = 1
• Number of Oxygen atoms = 0

Plugging these values into the formula:

Molecular Weight = (6 × 12.011) + (14 × 1.008) + (1 × 32.06) + (0 × 15.999)

This calculation yields the total mass of one mole of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, expressed in grams per mole (g/mol). This value is crucial for many chemical calculations, including determining reaction yields and solution concentrations.

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Understanding the 6-mercapto-1-hexanol molecular weight is essential for practical laboratory work. Here are a couple of examples:

Example 1: Preparing a Solution

A researcher needs to prepare 500 mL of a 0.1 M (molar) solution of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol for a surface functionalization experiment.

Inputs:

• Number of Carbon Atoms (C): 6
• Number of Hydrogen Atoms (H): 14
• Number of Sulfur Atoms (S): 1
• Number of Oxygen Atoms (O): 0
• Desired Molarity: 0.1 M
• Desired Volume: 500 mL (0.5 L)

Calculation Steps:

1. First, calculate the molecular weight using the calculator. Let's assume it calculates to 134.25 g/mol.
2. Calculate the moles needed: Moles = Molarity × Volume (in Liters) = 0.1 mol/L × 0.5 L = 0.05 moles.
3. Calculate the mass needed: Mass = Moles × Molecular Weight = 0.05 moles × 134.25 g/mol = 6.7125 grams.

Result Interpretation: The researcher needs to weigh out approximately 6.71 grams of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol and dissolve it in enough solvent to make a final volume of 500 mL to achieve the desired 0.1 M concentration. This precise measurement, enabled by knowing the molecular weight, ensures the experiment's success.

Example 2: Stoichiometry in Synthesis

A chemist is performing a reaction where 6-mercapto-1-hexanol reacts with an alkyl halide in a 1:1 molar ratio. They want to react 10 grams of the alkyl halide, assuming its molecular weight is 150 g/mol.

Inputs:

• Mass of Alkyl Halide: 10 g
• Molecular Weight of Alkyl Halide: 150 g/mol
• Number of Carbon Atoms (C): 6
• Number of Hydrogen Atoms (H): 14
• Number of Sulfur Atoms (S): 1
• Number of Oxygen Atoms (O): 0

Calculation Steps:

1. Calculate moles of alkyl halide: Moles = Mass / Molecular Weight = 10 g / 150 g/mol ≈ 0.0667 moles.
2. Since the reaction is 1:1, the moles of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol needed are also approximately 0.0667 moles.
3. Calculate the mass of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol required. Using the calculator, the 6-mercapto-1-hexanol molecular weight is 134.25 g/mol.
4. Mass of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol = Moles × Molecular Weight = 0.0667 moles × 134.25 g/mol ≈ 8.95 grams.

Result Interpretation: The chemist needs to use approximately 8.95 grams of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol to react completely with 10 grams of the alkyl halide, assuming a 1:1 stoichiometry. Accurate calculation prevents excess reactants or limiting reactant issues, optimizing the synthesis.

How to Use This 6-Mercapto-1-hexanol Molecular Weight Calculator

Using our 6-mercapto-1-hexanol molecular weight calculator is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Input Atomic Counts: In the provided fields, enter the number of atoms for each element (Carbon, Hydrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen) present in the molecule's formula. For 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (C₆H₁₄OS), the default values are C=6, H=14, S=1, O=0. Adjust these if you are calculating the molecular weight for a different, related compound.
2. Click Calculate: Once you have entered the correct atomic counts, click the "Calculate" button.
3. View Results: The calculator will instantly display:
   • The primary result: The total molecular weight of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol in g/mol.
   • Intermediate values: The total contribution of each element (Carbon, Hydrogen, Sulfur, Oxygen) to the molecular weight.
   • A chart visualizing the elemental contributions.
   • The atomic weights used in the calculation.
4. Understand the Formula: A clear explanation of the formula used is provided below the results.
5. Copy Results: If you need to use these values elsewhere, click the "Copy Results" button. This will copy the main result, intermediate values, and key assumptions to your clipboard.
6. Reset: To start over or revert to the default values for 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, click the "Reset" button.

Reading Results: The main result is the molecular weight in grams per mole (g/mol). This is the mass of one mole of the substance. The intermediate results show how much each element contributes to this total mass. The chart provides a visual representation of these contributions.

Decision-Making Guidance: This calculator is primarily for informational and calculation purposes. The molecular weight is a fixed property of the compound. However, knowing this value accurately is crucial for making informed decisions in experimental design, such as determining the correct amounts of reagents needed for synthesis or the concentration of solutions for assays.

Key Factors That Affect Molecular Weight Calculations

While the molecular weight of a specific compound like 6-mercapto-1-hexanol is a fixed value based on its atomic composition, several factors are crucial for accurate calculation and interpretation in a broader chemical context:

• Atomic Weights Accuracy: The precision of the calculation directly depends on the accuracy of the atomic weights used for each element. Standard atomic weights are averages of isotopes, and for highly precise work, isotopic compositions might be considered, though this is rare for routine calculations. Our calculator uses standard, widely accepted atomic weights.
• Molecular Formula Correctness: The most critical factor is having the correct molecular formula. An error in the number of atoms for any element (e.g., mistaking C₆H₁₂OS for C₆H₁₄OS) will lead to an incorrect molecular weight. Always verify the chemical formula.
• Isotopic Abundance: Natural elements exist as isotopes with different numbers of neutrons. Atomic weights are averages based on the natural abundance of these isotopes. For most applications, standard atomic weights are sufficient. However, in specialized fields like mass spectrometry or nuclear chemistry, specific isotopic masses are used.
• Purity of the Compound: While purity doesn't change the theoretical molecular weight, impurities will affect the measured mass of a sample. If you weigh out a sample containing impurities, the actual amount of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol will be less than calculated based on the total mass.
• Hydration or Solvation: Sometimes, compounds crystallize with water molecules (hydrates) or exist in solution associated with solvent molecules. If calculating the molecular weight of a hydrated form (e.g., 6-mercapto-1-hexanol monohydrate), the weight of the water molecules must be included.
• Temperature and Pressure (Indirect Effects): While temperature and pressure do not change the molecular weight itself (which is a mass property), they significantly affect the density and volume of substances, especially gases. This is relevant when converting between mass, moles, and volume, particularly for gas-phase calculations or solution preparation at non-standard conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: What is the exact molecular weight of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol?

  A: Using standard atomic weights (C: 12.011, H: 1.008, S: 32.06, O: 15.999), the molecular weight of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (C₆H₁₄OS) is approximately 134.25 g/mol.

• Q2: Can I use this calculator for other thiols or alcohols?

  A: Yes, you can. Simply adjust the number of Carbon, Hydrogen, Sulfur, and Oxygen atoms in the input fields to match the molecular formula of the compound you wish to calculate the molecular weight for. For example, for 1-hexanethiol (C₆H₁₄S), you would set O to 0.

• Q3: What does g/mol mean?

  A: g/mol stands for grams per mole. It is the unit of molar mass, representing the mass of one mole of a substance. A mole is a unit of amount containing Avogadro's number (approximately 6.022 x 10²³) of elementary entities (like molecules).

• Q4: Why is the molecular weight calculation important?

  A: It's crucial for quantitative chemical analysis, stoichiometry in reactions, preparing solutions of specific concentrations, and understanding the physical properties of a substance.

• Q5: Does the odor of 6-mercapto-1-hexanol affect its molecular weight?

  A: No, the odor is a sensory property related to the volatility and interaction of the thiol group with olfactory receptors. It does not change the fundamental mass of the molecule.

• Q6: Are there different types of molecular weight?

  A: For small molecules like 6-mercapto-1-hexanol, the terms molecular weight and molar mass are often used interchangeably. Molecular weight is technically a dimensionless ratio relative to 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom, while molar mass is the mass per mole (g/mol). However, numerically they are the same.

• Q7: What if my compound contains other elements like Nitrogen or Chlorine?

  A: This calculator is specifically designed for compounds containing C, H, S, and O. For elements like Nitrogen (N) or Chlorine (Cl), you would need a more comprehensive calculator or manually add their atomic weights (N ≈ 14.007 g/mol, Cl ≈ 35.45 g/mol) to the calculation.

• Q8: How precise are the atomic weights used?

  A: The atomic weights used (C: 12.011, H: 1.008, S: 32.06, O: 15.999) are standard values from IUPAC. They are averages based on isotopic abundance and are suitable for most general chemistry calculations.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

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