Molecular Grams Millimoles Equivalents Density Weight (g/mL) 15215 4.044 Reagent vanillin sodium borohydride 3763 13.476 sodium hydroxide (1 M aq ) theoretical product 40.00 32.769 vanillyl alcohol 46416 melting point of vanillyl alcohol
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The melting point of vanillyl alcohol is approximately 80–82°C.
Vanillyl alcohol (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol) is a natural phenolic compound, and its physical properties, like the melting point, can vary slightly depending on the purity of the sample. The melting point range for vanillyl alcohol is often reported as 80–82°C, and this is consistent with the substance’s crystal structure, which stabilizes at this temperature. The presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group and methoxy (-OCH₃) group in its structure plays a role in vanillyl alcohol’s polarity and its ability to form hydrogen bonds, which impacts its melting point.
To explain further, the interaction between hydrogen bonding and the structural rigidity of the molecule helps to raise the temperature at which it transitions from solid to liquid. If you were synthesizing vanillyl alcohol from a reaction like the reduction of vanillin with sodium borohydride, the melting point would be an important check for purity, as impurities or incomplete reactions can cause deviations in the melting point range.
This melting point range is relevant to both the laboratory synthesis and practical application of vanillyl alcohol, such as its use in fragrances, flavorings, and pharmaceuticals.
