Difference between benzophenone and acetophenone

Structure of benzophenone The molecular formula of benzophenone is C7H8O, and its structure consists of a phenyl ring connected to a methyl group and a carbonyl group (C = O). Specifically, the methyl group (-CH3) on the benzene ring is connected to the carbonyl group by a single bond to form a keto group (-CO-).

Structure of acetophenone The molecular formula of acetophenone is C8H8O, and its structure is similar to that of benzophenone, but the methyl group is replaced by an ethyl group (-CH2-). Thus, the structure of acetophenone is a phenyl ring linked to an ethyl group and a carbonyl group to form a keto group.

Structural differences The molecular formula of the two differs by only one carbon atom (benzophenone is C7H8O, acetophenone is C8H8O), but structurally, acetophenone has one more carbon atom attached to the carbonyl than benzophenone. This structural difference leads to significant differences in their physical properties, chemical properties and application areas.

2. Physical properties

boiling Point Benzophenone has a boiling point of 182.3°C, while acetophenone has a boiling point of 196.1°C. Acetophenone has a slightly higher boiling point, which is associated with one more carbon atom in its structure.

Density Benzophenone has a density of 0.713g/cm³, while acetophenone has a density of 0.710g/cm³. Benzophenone is slightly higher than acetophenone.

Solubility Both are less soluble in water, but acetophenone is slightly more soluble than benzophenone. Acetophenone is also more soluble in ethanol than benzophenone.

Smell and taste Both have a distinct keto odor, but acetophenone has a more complex odor with a slight ethyl odor, while benzophenone has a relatively pure odor.

3. Chemical properties

reactivity of carbonyl groups Both carbonyl (C = O) have strong electron withdrawing effect, but in practical application, the carbonyl of acetophenone is more likely to participate in some reactions than benzophenone. For example, acetophenone is slightly more reactive than benzophenone in oxidation under acidic conditions.

reducibility Benzophenone and acetophenone are not flammable, but their carbonyl groups can react with reducing agents to form the corresponding alcohols. For example, benzophenone can undergo a condensation reaction with water and a reducing agent to produce benzyl alcohol.

Reactions with aldehyde groups Under appropriate conditions, benzophenone and acetophenone can undergo condensation reactions with aldehyde groups to produce the corresponding ketone-aldehyde conjugated compounds. This reaction has important applications in the fine chemical and perfume industries.

Application-related

use comparison

• benzophenone: Mainly used in the manufacture of spices and cosmetics, such as methoxyvalproate in natural spices. It is also used in the production of certain chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Acetophenone: Mainly used in the production of chemicals and drugs, such as anticoagulant drugs (such as warfarin) and antithrombin. In addition, acetophenone is used in the manufacture of certain polymeric materials and solvents.

Environmental performance The application of benzophenone and acetophenone in industrial production requires strict treatment, but there are some differences in environmental protection between the two. For example, benzophenone may have less impact on the environment in some industrial processes, but the specific performance needs to be analyzed in the context of specific circumstances.

Summary

there are significant differences between benzophenone and acetophenone in structure, physical properties and application fields. The choice of which one to use depends on the specific industrial needs and application area. In actual production, factors such as product characteristics, environmental protection requirements and production costs should be comprehensively considered to select the most suitable raw materials.

By better understanding the differences between these two compounds, chemical engineers can more efficiently use their properties and application potential to achieve better results in production and development.