Ascaridole

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Ascaridole
Ascaridole structure.png
Structure of ascaridole, somewhat reminding of a person wearing glasses
Names
IUPAC name
1-Methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-2,3-dioxabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene
Other names
Ascaridol
Askaridol
Properties
Molar mass 168.23 g/mol
Appearance Colorless liquid
Odor Herb-like
Density 1.010 g/cm3
Melting point 3.3 °C (37.9 °F; 276.4 K)
Boiling point 130 °C (266 °F; 403 K) (decomposition)
40 °C (104 °F; 313 K) (0.2 mmHg)
0.053 g/100 ml
Solubility Soluble in acetone, benzene, chloroform, dichloromethane, DMSO, ethyl acetate
Hazards
Safety data sheet BioCrick
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Ascaridole is a naturally-occuring organic compound classified as a bicyclic monoterpenoids that has an unusual bridging peroxide functional group. It has the chemical formula C10H16O2.

The compound is interesting since not only it's a naturally occurring organic peroxide, but it's also an explosive compound derived directly from a biological source (in this case the plant Epazote or Mexican tea).

Properties

Chemical

Ascaridole will burn if ignited, releasing carbon dioxide, water vapors and soot.

When reacted with sulfuric acid, or reduced with zinc powder and acetic acid, ascaridole formed cymene. Uncontrolled, the reaction may have an explosive outcome.

Physical

Ascaridole is a colorless liquid with a pungent smell and taste that is soluble in most organic solvents.

Explosive

Like other low molecular weight organic peroxides, it is unstable and prone to explosion when heated above 130 °C or treated with organic acids. This however only happens for large amounts and the deflagration is not very powerful.

Availability

Ascaridole is found Chilean tree boldo and is a major constituent of the oil of Mexican tea (wormseed), in case of the latter it comprises up to 70% of the epazote oil.

Preparation

Ascaridole can be prepared by oxidizing α-terpinene with oxygen under UV light and presence of chlorophyll.

Explosions&Fire attempted to grow sufficient Mexican tea plants to extract a useful amount of ascaridole. Witness the results (or lack of) here.

Projects

  • Make anthelmintic medication
  • Food flavoring
  • Make biological-derived energetic compound

Handling

Safety

Ascaridole is toxic and has a pungent, unpleasant smell and taste.

In high doses, epazote oil causes irritation of skin and mucous membranes, nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, vertigo, tinnitus, temporary deafness and blindness. Prolonged action induces depression of the central nervous system and delirium which transits into convulsions and coma. Long-term effects include pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), hematuria, and albuminuria (presence of red blood cells and proteins in the urine, respectively) and jaundice (yellowish pigmentation of the skin).

Storage

Ascaridole in impure form, like epazote oil can be kept for several months before it decomposes too much in contact with air and light.

Pure ascaridole should be kept in airtight amber bottles, but not for long.

Disposal

Ascaridole can be neutralized with iron(II) sulfate to ascaridole glycol, which is safer to handle and can be diluted with water and poured down the drain.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads