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Thymine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H6N2O2
CAS number
65-71-4
IUPAC name
1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-4-sulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-one
State
State
At room temperature, thymine is a solid and usually found as a component of DNA in a crystalline form.
Melting point (Celsius)
316.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
589.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
518.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
791.15
General information
Molecular weight
126.12g/mol
Molar mass
126.1150g/mol
Density
2.0176g/cm3
Appearence

Thymine typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It is a pyrimidine base with a characteristic helical structure when it is part of nucleic acids.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-4-sulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-one

This compound exhibits unique solubility characteristics influenced by its complex structure. Below are key points regarding its solubility:

  • Solvent Dependence: The solubility is likely to vary significantly between different solvents. Polar solvents, such as water and alcohols, may enhance solubility due to the presence of multiple hydroxyl (−OH) groups.
  • Hydrophilic vs. Hydrophobic Balance: With both hydrophilic (−OH groups) and potentially hydrophobic (pyrimidine structure) regions in its molecular structure, the compound’s overall solubility will be a balance between these characteristics.
  • pH Influence: The solubility can also be influenced by pH, especially due to the presence of sulfonyl and hydroxyl groups, which may participate in protonation or deprotonation reactions. This can lead to altered solubility in different pH environments.
  • Temperature Effect: Typically, an increase in temperature may enhance solubility for many compounds by providing energy that overcomes lattice energies in the solid phase.

In summary, it is essential to consider the specific solvent and environmental conditions when assessing the solubility of this compound, as it may exhibit varied behavior based on these factors. Consequently, understanding its solubility is crucial for applications in pharmaceuticals and biochemical studies.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 1-[(2R,3R,4S,5R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-4-sulfanyl-pyrimidin-2-one

This compound is a fascinating example of a complex organic molecule that bridges the realms of carbohydrate chemistry and medicinal chemistry. Here are some intriguing insights about it:

  • Structural Complexity: The compound features a tetrahydrofuran residue, a fundamental building block in many natural products, characterized by its five-membered ring. This ring contributes significantly to its biochemical properties.
  • Hydroxyl Groups: The presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups indicates potential for hydrogen bonding, which can enhance solubility and biological activity. Compounds with such functional groups often exhibit significant interactions with biological macromolecules.
  • Pyrimidine Derivative: As a pyrimidine derivative, this compound may share the structural characteristics common to many nucleobases, providing insights into its role in biological systems and its potential activity in nucleic acid interactions.
  • Potential Therapeutic Applications: Features such as the sulfanil group suggest that this compound may have antibacterial or antiviral properties, making it a candidate for further pharmacological studies.
  • Stereochemistry: The specification of stereochemical configuration at multiple centers (2R, 3R, 4S, 5R) highlights the importance of chirality in the function of biological molecules, as enantiomers can exhibit vastly different biological effects.

Overall, the intricate configuration and functional groups present in this compound make it a topic of interest not only in synthetic chemistry but also in the fields of pharmacology and biochemistry. Understanding such compounds can lead to advancements in drug design and therapeutic agents that mimic natural processes.