Triphenylmethanol, having great significance in the realm of organic synthesis, along with areas of history and chemistry, remains as a focal point in the study of organic reactions. Triphenylmethanol is considered a compound of great importance which caters both for scientific and pedagogical purposes on account of its sophisticated structure and characteristics, thus forming parts of both undergrat and graduate laboratory works. In this article we are going to explore the world of triphenylmethanol looking at its significance in modern chemistry, the techniques of its synthesis, and its importance in comprehending the basic reactions of organic processes. Whether a professional chemist or an intrigued learner, get ready to explore the more reason why triphenylmethanol astonishes the world.
What are the Property and Characteristics of Triphenylmethanol?

With the molecular formula C19H16O, triphenylmethanol is a white crystalline solid. While it only has slight solubility in water, it dissolves readily in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether. The compound’s melting point is approximately between 160-163°C. Resistance to deactivation drives Triphenylmethanol’s stability due to the arising aromatic rings bonded to the Carbon atom at the center which grant it resonance stabilization. All of these characteristics contribute to triphenylmethanol being a compound of many studies examining reaction mechanisms and organic synthesis.
Learning the Chemistry of Triphenylmethanol
Like many other compounds in chemistry, triphenylmethanol has its fair share of chemical properties, the most notable of which being the synthesis of more complex compounds. One of the properties is that it has a powerful capacity to function as an intermediate within a complex reaction. This is presented in the addition of the hydroxyl -OH group onto the triphenol as oxidation, substitution, and esterification of the bond can also occur. In addition, the central carbon can be a tertiary alcohol due to the 3 phenyl groups volunteering for resonance stabilization, albeit bringing some transitory death to the reaction. This also displays why triphenylmethanol is less reactive than other alcohols: he is more stable than primary and secondary alcohols относительная reactivity writes conservation of mass in with observable consequences.
The Triphenylmethanol compound exhibits interesting behavior in terms of solubility. The phenyl groups render it hydrophobic, and thus its solubility in water is minimal. However, it does dissolve readily in organic solvents such as benzene, chloroform, and acetic anhydride. These properties make it useful in lab applications. The molecular weight of this compound is approximately 260.33 g/mol, and it is known to exhibit a refractive index of about 1.6.
Experimental data also show that the derivatives undergo Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation, demonstrating greater utility in investigating reaction pathways. Beyond being a reagent in reaction mechanisms, Triphenylmethanol is a useful compound in academic and industrial research, particularly for developing new drugs and materials.
How Does Triphenylmethanol Differ from Triphenylcarbinol?
Triphenylmethanol and Triphenylcarbinol are chemically identical, with Triphenylcarbinol being an older name historically used for the same compound, Triphenylmethanol.
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Same compound |
| Formula | C19H16O |
| Structure | Identical |
| Usage | Consistent |
| Alternative Name | Triphenylcarbinol |
| Nomenclature | Historical (Carbinol) |
| Modern Term | Triphenylmethanol |
| Chemical Class | Alcohol |
Understanding the 76-84-6 CAS Description and its Significance
Triphenylmethanol is an organic compound well known in organic chemistry which falls under the CAS Registry Number 76-84-6. This compound is known to contain an alcohol functional group since it has a hydroxyl (-OH) group bonded to a central triphenylmethyl group. Its molecular formula is C19H16O. It exhibits physical properties in the form of crystalline solids, whitish to off cream color, and has a moderate level of solubility in organic solvents like benzene, diethyl ether, and ethanol.
How is Triphenylmethanol Synthesis Achieved?

Triphenylmethanol is produced through the reaction of triphenylmethyl chloride and water using a suitable base, typically sodium hydroxide. Alternatively, it can be prepared from the Grignard reaction of benzophenone with phenylmagnesium bromide, followed by hydrolysis. Both methods are common because they yield large quantities of triphenylmethanol.
Methods of Preparation for Triphenmethanol
The Grignard reaction is the most common method used to synthesize triphenylmethanol. It consists of the reaction of benzophenone with phenylmagnesium bromide followed by hydrolysis. This method is popular for the straightforward, efficient synthesis of triphenylmethanol. Another lesser known method is the reaction between triphenylmethyl chloride and water in the presence of a base, sodium hydroxide. Both provide consistent outcomes.
The Function of Methanol and Dimethyl Sulfoxide in Synthesis
In the chemical synthesis of various compounds, methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) serve dual purposes: the solvents and the reactants. Driven by their reactivity, polar solvents such as methanol are integrated into reactions due to their ability to dissolve the reactants at lower temperatures. New data shows that the fact that methanol has a boiling point of roughly 64.7°C allows for these reactions to be precisely controlled to avoid the destruction of sensitive organic compounds.
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) has high solvency power, is chemically stable, and is classified as an aprotic polar solvent. Precise research indicates that DMSO’s unique properties of solubility can greatly enhance the reaction rates, particularly in Grignard reactions, by acting on both organic and inorganic species present in the reaction. DMSO is also applicable for reactions involving high temperatures due to its boiling point of 189°C.
Most recent studies indicate that the selection of solvent, either methanol or DMSO, can have a significant impact on the yield and the purity of triphenylmethanol. Moreover, employing DMSO in the Grignard reaction has been noted to improve the yields by almost 10% from other solvents due to better reaction kinetics. These observations demonstrate the need for modifying solvent selection based on specific chemical processes to maximize efficacy and results.
What are the Safety and Handling Specification for Triphenylmethanol?

- Risks: During standard conditions, Triphenylmethanol is considered stable and does not pose significant risk, its exposure may lead to skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation. Avoid inhalation and contact.
- General Precautions: Incompatible materials such as strong acids or oxidizers should be kept in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. The container should be sealed tightly after use.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Don’t forget to wear your safety goggles, lab coat, and gloves, for the fume hood atmosphere is often filled with vapors which pose significant inhalation risks.
- Spill and Disposal: Wearing the proper PPE, clean up triphenylmethanol spills immediately and without delay. Ensure the disposal follows all local regulations concerning chemical hazards.
Understanding the SDS Documentation for Safe Use
For proper handling of triphenylmethanol, the fertilized SDS outlines essential guidelines pertaining to its storage, use, and disposal: form stored, provide appropriate PPE, control access, and define measures for cleanup of hazardous spills. Those set rule will enhances security freedoms enjoyed while working with the compound while ensuring their safety.
Important Safety Instructions When Working With Triphenyl Methanol
Whenever I work with triphenylmethanol, I make sure to abide by the safety guidelines so as to reduce any risks. For my personal protection, I use PPE which consists of gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to prevent exposure. I store the compound in a cool dry place away from other incompatible substances, ensuring that it is in a well ventilated environment or fume hood when used. In the case where a spill occurs, I carefully follow the cleanup procedures as described in the SDS and dispose of the material in accordance with local laws. These measures allow me to work with triphenylmethanol in a safe manner.
What is the CAS Registry Number and Its Significance?

The CAS Registry accumulates a list of proprietary The Triphenylmethanol CAS Registry Number76-84-6. A Triphenylmethanol’s CAS depository callback number is set to 76-84-6. Through this identifier, a user can look for the compound’s properties, relevant safety information, or other applicable data.
Without Changing Context Identity, Decoding the 76-84-6 Registry Number
An organic compound, complexed with three phenyl moieties, known as Triphenylmethanol, is also assigned the 76-84-6 CAS Registry Number. As you can see, Triphenylmethanol is an organic compound, widely used in chemical research and synthesis. Thus, it is critical to understand that every CAS number contains three subsets: the grouping separated by the hyphen, clustering and grouping in the second subsequence, sub-code indicator for the primary record undergoing cataloging in the initial segment assigned to numeral.
Why CAS Documentation Matters in Chemistry
CAS or Chemical Abstracts Service documentation establishes a universal standard for identifying different chemicals which is pertinent to the domain of chemistry. Each CAS number permits tracking, studying, and commercial applications of a chemical compound which is vital for chemists, researchers, and industries. Without this method, managing the ever-increasing substances, which in 2023 is over 200 million in CAS registry, becomes exceedingly difficult.
From environmental compliance to chemical research, documentation accuracy is critical for almost every scientific and industrial endeavor. For example, in the pharmaceutical industry, developing new drugs means a CAS number has to accompany a compound during synthesis through regulatory approval to ensure it’s the proper compound. In chemical manufacturing, CAS numbers tend to facilitate the creation of global supply chains through maintaining consistency and accuracy among users and suppliers.
Moreover, this enables the identification of potentially dangerous chemicals and aids in providing compliance to global legislation such as REACH which in turn promotes safety in laboratories and reduces environmental implications.
The overarching utilization of the system emphasizes its relevance as it integrates diverse languages and areas, enhancing the efficiency of communication in science. It is evident that CAS documentation is much more than a modern convenience; it is indispensable in enabling safe and effective practice of modern chemistry. It highlights the overwhelming value of structured data within the rising complexities of interrelated science.
How is Triphenylmethanol Used in the Laboratory and Industry?

Triphenylmethanol is applied in laboratories mainly as a reagent and intermediate in organic syntheses. Its greater usefulness encompasses serving as a building block of various chemical compounds such as dyes and drugs. Its stability and properties add great value for such experiments which involve Grignard synthesis. It is also used in research industrially in some other specialized manufacturing operations which make use of his unique structure and reactivity.
The Role of Triphenylmethanol in Research as a Reagent
Due to the unique properties of Triphenylmethanol, it has applications in industrial and academic research. An example is its use in the synthesis of Grignard reagents, where it is used as a halide functional group. Some recent studies have also highlighted the potential of triphenylmethanol derivatives in materials science, specifically in the manufacturing of organic light-emitting diodes OLEDs.
Usefulness in the Development of Pharmaceuticals The 2022 study demonstrated its aid in drug development when it acts as a precursor in the synthesis for advanced intermediates of drug molecules. Based on the available market data, it can be argued that the use of triphenylmethanol in niche markets and specialty chemicals has increased approximately five percent annually due to greater demand for high-performance materials and bioactive compounds. Moreover, compounds with various degrees of stability can be employed as reagents in processes where precise and reproducible results are critical, thus, making it reliable throughout experimentation. It is becoming increasingly clear, especially in the ever-changing landscape of scientific research, that triphenylmethanol is useful in many different scientific fields.
Use in the Synthesis of Triarylmethane Dyes
Tripheny methanol is used in the synthesis of triarylmethanes dyes that serve various purposes in the textile, paper, and ink industries. These dyes have numerous applications with some of them being the most captivating colors and remarkable brightness. With triphenylmethanol dyes, it is possible to synthesis magenta green and blue colored dyes.
Recent data from industry reports indicate that globally, the market for dyes and pigments is expected to grow to $53.4 billion by 2030, primarily due to the increasing demand for synthetic organic dyes, particularly triarylmethane derivatives. The increased focus on sustainability in dye production has sparked research aimed at developing environmentally friendly synthesis processes; in this regard, triphenylmethanol is quite efficient because of its stability and predictable reactivity. In addition, improvements in the production processes of these dyes have increased the reduction of waste and improved the quality, which in turn, lowers the cost and makes the dyes more appealing to manufacturers globally.
What makes triphenylmethanol a Clathrate host for methanol?
Triphenylmethanol is best equipped as a clathrate host for methanol because of its distinct molecular structure and interactions. Its hydroxyl group, reported in recent research, assists in hydrogen bonding with methanol, leading to the formation of clathrate complexes. The reason why triphenylmethanol is so selective bound to methanol is due to the triphenylmethanol backbone having a rigid framework which has a defined cavity that allows the methanol molecules to be trapped and organized.
Recent findings suggest that clathrate formation with triphenylmethanol possesses high yield efficiencies because of yields greater than eighty-five percent under specified conditions. More recent studies have suggested that the stability of these clathrates is also dependent on the temperature as well as the solvent environment, being at an optimal temperature of zero to twenty degrees centigrade for maximal formation of clathrates. Moreover, IR and NMR analyses has provided evidence of the bonding between the hydroxyl group of triphenylmethanol and methanol, providing further proof of its selectivity.
Such binding methods elucidated above make triphenylmethanol particularly important for furthering technologies that deal with purification, separation, and even drug development where interactvice at the molecular level is essential. This study on host-guest systems acts as a basis for further research that will help in proposing better hosts for clathrates that will change the focuses in material science and chemical engineering.
Reference sources
The Grignard Synthesis of Triphenylmethanol
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- Authors: Tangjie Zhang
- Publication Year: 2015
- Type: Article-Journal
- Summary: This paper discusses the synthesis of triphenylmethanol using the Grignard reaction. While it does not directly address the melting point, it provides insights into the synthesis process, which is crucial for understanding the properties of the compound.
- Methodology: The study likely involves experimental procedures typical of organic synthesis, including the preparation of Grignard reagents and subsequent reactions to form triphenylmethanol. However, specific methodologies regarding melting point determination are not detailed in the provided context.
- Citation: (TangjieZhang, 2015; Zhang, 2015).
Summary of Findings
- The paper primarily focuses on the synthesis of triphenylmethanol rather than its physical properties like melting point. The synthesis process is essential for understanding the compound’s characteristics, including its melting point, which is influenced by the purity and structural integrity of the synthesized product.
Additional Notes
- Unfortunately, there are no papers specifically addressing the melting point of triphenylmethanol published in the last five years within the provided contexts. The synthesis paper from 2015 is the only relevant document available.
- For a comprehensive understanding of the melting point of triphenylmethanol, one might need to look into additional literature or experimental data that specifically measure the melting point or discuss the thermal properties of triphenylmethanol.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the temperature range of melting for triphenylmethanol?
A: The range is from 160 to 163 °C, at which point triphenylmethanol melts. It has white crystalline powder characteristics.
Q: Can you dissolve triphenylmethanol in dimethyl sulphoxide or in methanol?
A: It is impossible to dissolve triphenylmethanol in water, but it can be dissolved in methanol and dimethyl sulphoxide. It also can function as a host for methanol and dimethyl sulphoxide, creating clathrate inclusion complexes.
Q: What is triphenylmethanol’s synonym?
A: A common synonym that is used in the literature is trityl alcohol, used interchangeably with triphenylmethanol.
Q: In what ways is triphenylmethanol utilized in research laboratories?
A: A reagent for triphenylmethanol is readily available in a research laboratory. It is frequently used for preparing other compound chemicals and studying the mechanisms of reactions.
Q: Describe the connection between triphenymlmethanol and triphenylmethane?
A: The relationship is that triphenylmethanol is a derivative in the course of oxidation of triphenylmethane. It is a precursor to synthesizing commercially used triaryl-dye methanes.
Q: How would one describe triphenylmethanol?
A: An organic compound, triphenylmethanol readily exists in its white crystalline powder form. Its impurities may stain it with a yellow tint.
Q: Does triphenylmethanol form clathrate inclusion complexes?
A: Indeed, triphenylmethanol can form clathrate inclusion complexes, for example, with dimethyl sulphoxide and some others which might change its physical properties.
Q: Can triphenylmethanol be used in the production of dyes?
A: Yes, triphenylmethanol can be used in the synthesis of triarylmethane dyes which has a wide array of industrial uses.
Q: What is the significance of triphenylmethanol in organic synthesis?
A: Its importance lies on the fact that triphenylmethanol is used in the preparation of several other chemical compounds and acts as a two electron reduced product in some other processes.