Cholesterol

ADVERTISEMENT

Identification

Molecular formula
C27H46O
CAS Number
57-88-5
IUPAC Name
(5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-2,10,13,17-tetramethyl-1,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-ol
Molecular Weight
386.65g/mol
Melting Point
(Celsius)
Boiling Point
(Celsius)
Density
1.0529g/cm3
Appearance
due to its crystalline structure. Under the microscope, cholesterol crystals can be seen as flat plates.
Synonyms
2527-18-6
Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-2,10,13,17-tetramethyl-1,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-ol

This compound, commonly known in the scientific community as a steroid-like molecule, has several fascinating properties and aspects worth noting:

  • Steroidal Nature: Its structure features multiple fused rings, typical of steroid compounds, which are crucial in various biological processes.
  • Biochemical Significance: Compounds of this nature often play roles in hormonal activity, influencing a wide array of physiological functions in living organisms.
  • Complex Configuration: The intricate stereochemistry, denoted by various stereocenters (notably the S and R configurations), indicates the compound’s potential to exhibit different biological activities based on its chirality.
  • Natural Occurrence: Many related sterols are naturally occurring, and their derivatives may be found in plants and animals, contributing to the compound’s relevance in both natural and synthetic chemistry.
  • Applications in Medicine: Research is being conducted into similar compounds for their potential therapeutic applications, including anti-inflammatory and hormonal treatments.

In summary, the molecular architecture of this compound not only showcases the beauty of classical organic chemistry but also illustrates the profound impact such compounds can have in biological systems. As we delve deeper into its research, we continue to discover new horizons for applications in medicine and biotechnology!

ADVERTISEMENT