Name: China Supplier High Quality Best Price Octadecanethiol CAS 2885-00-9
Brand: Wuhan Fortuna Chemical Co., Ltd.

Specifications of Octadecanethiol CAS 2885-00-9

Product Name	Octadecanethiol
Apperance	White powder
EINECS	220-744-1
MF	C18H38S
MW	286.56
Assay	≥98.0%

Parameters of Octadecanethiol CAS 2885-00-9

Product parameters
Cas number:	2885-00-9
Appearance:	White powder
Purity:	98%min
Package details:	25kg/drum
Brand:	Fortunachem

Octadecanethiol is a type of organic compound belonging to the thiol family, which are sulfur-containing compounds often referred to as mercaptans. Its chemical structure consists of an 18-carbon alkyl chain (octadecane) with a thiol (-SH) functional group attached to one end.

Its chemical formula is CH₃(CH₂)₁₇SH or C₁₈H₃₈S.

Think of it as the sulfur analog of octadecanol (a long-chain alcohol), where the oxygen atom in the alcohol (-OH) group is replaced by a sulfur atom.

Key Properties

Physical Form: It is typically a white, waxy solid at room temperature, often available in flake or powder form. It has a very high boiling point.
Odor: Like most small thiols, it has a strong, unpleasant odor characteristic of sulfur compounds. However, due to its long carbon chain, its volatility and thus its odor are significantly less pronounced than those of shorter-chain thiols (e.g., ethanethiol, which is added to natural gas for leak detection).
Repellent Nature: The long carbon chain makes it hydrophobic (water-repelling).
Reactivity: The thiol (-SH) group is highly reactive and has a strong affinity for metal surfaces, particularly gold (Au), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu).

Primary Uses and Applications

The unique properties of octadecanethiol—a long, inert hydrocarbon tail with a reactive sulfur head—make it incredibly valuable in advanced materials science, not in consumer products like the previous compounds discussed.

Its most important application is in the formation of Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs).

1. Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)

This is the flagship application for octadecanethiol and similar long-chain alkanethiols.

How it works: When a clean gold surface (e.g., a gold-coated microscope slide or electrode) is immersed in a solution of octadecanethiol, the sulfur atoms chemisorb (form a strong chemical bond) to the gold atoms.
Self-Assembly: The molecules spontaneously organize themselves into a highly ordered, dense, single-molecule-thick layer (a monolayer). The hydrocarbon chains stand up nearly straight and pack together closely, driven by van der Waals forces between the chains.
The Result: The surface properties of the gold are completely transformed. The exposed surface is no longer metallic gold but the hydrophobic methyl (-CH₃) groups of the octadecanethiol. This creates a surface that repels water and other polar substances.

What are SAMs used for?

Surface Patterning (Nanolithography): Using techniques like microcontact printing, scientists can create precise patterns of SAMs on a gold surface. These patterns can be used to control where cells grow, where metals deposit, or where etching occurs, enabling the fabrication of tiny microfluidic devices and biosensors.
Corrosion Inhibition: Forming a SAM on a metal surface like copper or silver can create a protective, inert barrier that prevents oxidation and corrosion.
Lubrication: In micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), where traditional lubricants fail, SAMs act as excellent molecular lubricants to reduce friction between tiny moving parts.
Biosensor Fabrication: SAMs provide a well-defined platform to attach biological molecules (like antibodies or DNA strands) to a sensor surface in a controlled orientation. This is crucial for creating highly sensitive and specific diagnostic devices.

2. Chemical Synthesis

Octadecanethiol is used as a source of the thiol group in organic synthesis to create other sulfur-containing compounds.

3. Other Niche Applications

Gold Nanoparticle Stabilization: It is extensively used to coat and stabilize gold nanoparticles. The thiol group binds to the gold surface, and the long carbon chain prevents the nanoparticles from aggregating or clumping together. This is vital for applications in catalysis, drug delivery, and electronics.
Modifying Material Surfaces: It can be used to impart water-repellent properties to various materials.

Safety and Handling

Toxicity: While not extremely toxic, it is an irritant. It can cause skin and eye irritation.
Odor: The strong, persistent odor requires that it be handled in a well-ventilated area, preferably a fume hood.
Flammability: It is combustible.
General Precaution: Standard personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety glasses is essential when handling this chemical.

In Summary:

Aspect	Description
What it is	A long-chain alkanethiol (18 carbons) with the formula C₁₈H₃₈S.
Key Property	A molecule with a reactive thiol (-SH) "head" and a hydrophobic alkyl "tail".
Primary Use	Forming Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs) on gold and other metal surfaces.
Key Applications	• Surface patterning & nanolithography • Biosensor development • Corrosion inhibition • Stabilizing gold nanoparticles
Context	A specialty chemical used in research labs and nanotechnology, not in common consumer goods.

In essence, octadecanethiol is a fundamental building block in nanotechnology and surface science. Its ability to form perfectly ordered, single-molecule-thick films allows scientists and engineers to manipulate and control surfaces at the molecular level, enabling countless advanced technologies.