Morpholine is an organic chemical compound with the chemical formula O (CH2CH2)2NH. This heterocycle contains both amine and ether functional groups. Due to the amine group, morpholine is a base, and its conjugate acid is called morpholinium. For example, when morpholine is treated with hydrochloric acid, the resulting salt is morpholinium chloride. The naming of morpholine is attributed to Ludwig Knorr, who mistakenly believed that it was a part of the structure of morphine. Morpholine appears as a colorless liquid with a fish-like odor.
Chemical and Physical Properties of Morpholine:
- Molecular Weight: 87.122 g/mol
- Melting Point: -5°C
- Boiling Point: 129°C
- Density: 1.007 g/cm³Solubility: Highly soluble in water and alcohol, low solubility in ether.
Methods of Production:
- Hydrogenation Ammoniation Method: This is the most common method for producing morpholine. It can be prepared by the hydrogenation ammoniation of diethylene glycol. Water is also produced in this process.
- Sulfuric Acid Method: This is an alternative method for producing morpholine. It can be prepared by the dehydrogenation of diethanolamine with a strong acid. Water and ethanol are also produced in this method.
- Bis (Chloroethyl) Ether Method: This is an older method of producing morpholine. It can be prepared by heating bis (chloroethyl) ether with an excess of ammonia. Hydrochloric acid and ethylene glycol are also produced in this process.
Applications of Morpholine:
- Water Treatment: Morpholine is used as a corrosion inhibitor in steam boiler water treatment systems and aqueous hydraulic fluids to protect metals from acid vapors and corrosion or darkening (blacking).
- Detergents: Morpholine is used as an additive in detergents for optical brighteners that are resistant to chlorine bleaching.
- Cosmetics: Morpholine is used in cosmetic products for water-resistant emulsifiers and plasticizer formulations in fatty acid salts. It is also used as an intermediate in quaternary morpholinium salts for hair conditioners and deodorant products.
- Pharmaceuticals: Morpholine is used as an intermediate in the production of pharmaceuticals (analgesics, local anesthetics, antibiotics, antifungals, and anti-plaque products).
- Photography: Morpholine plays an important role in the photography industry. It is used in the production and development of photographic films.