CAS 764-13-6: 2,5-Dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene

2,5-Dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene is a high molecular weight compound with a value of about 8.5. Ethyl diazoacetate is a reactive chemical that can be used to generate 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene by photochemical decomposition. This reaction has been shown to be reversible and the equilibrium constant for this reaction is 1.8. The carbonyl group in 2,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexadiene reacts with fatty acids to form esters and ketones. These reactions are catalyzed by enzymes such as human liver alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. The rate of these reactions is dependent on the activation energy which is measured at 22 kcal/mol for the first step and 25 kcal/mol for the second step. Copper complex has been used as a solid catalyst in asymmetric synthesis of 2,5-dimethyl-2,4 hexadiene

Applications A volatile alkyl compound present in tobacco smoke. It is used as a potential biomarker in breath for prediction of lung cancer. References Phillips, M. et al.: Cancer Biomarkers, 3, 95 (2007); Li, Y. et al.: Yan. Keji, 10, 15 (2005);