Skip to main content

Hydrocortisone

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C21H30O5
CAS number
50-23-7
IUPAC name
(17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione
State
State

Hydrocortisone is typically a solid at room temperature, appearing as a white crystalline powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
215.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
488.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
589.40
Boiling point (Kelvin)
862.55
General information
Molecular weight
362.46g/mol
Molar mass
362.4700g/mol
Density
1.3100g/cm3
Appearence

Hydrocortisone generally appears as a white or almost white crystalline powder. It is odorless, or almost odorless and is known for being practically insoluble in water, but soluble in alcohol, dioxane, and methanol.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione

The solubility of organic compounds can vary significantly based on their molecular structure and functional groups present. For (17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione, several factors play a critical role in determining its solubility profile:

  • Polarity: The presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) suggests increased polarity, which often enhances solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Molecular Weight: The relatively high molecular weight may limit solubility in various solvents, especially organic solvents, where lower molecular weight compounds typically dissolve more readily.
  • Hydrophobic Regions: The compound has multiple hydrocarbon chains that may increase hydrophobicity, potentially reducing its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The ability for the molecule to form hydrogen bonds with solvent molecules can also significantly impact solubility; more hydrogen bonding interactions can lead to higher solubility in appropriate solvents.

In summary, while the presence of hydroxyl groups indicates potential for solubility, other structural features like hydrophobic segments may hinder it in certain contexts. Thus, the solubility of this compound is likely to be moderate, being more soluble in polar organic solvents and less so in non-polar ones. Carefully selecting the solvent based on these attributes is essential in applications involving this compound.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione

This remarkable compound belongs to a class of substances profoundly important in the fields of medicine and biochemistry. Here are some fascinating aspects:

  • Biological Significance: This compound is related to steroid hormones, which play vital roles in regulating various physiological functions in the body, such as metabolism, immune response, and sexual function.
  • Synthesis: The intricate structure of this compound presents a unique challenge for organic synthesis, making it a subject of interest for chemists aiming to develop efficient synthetic routes. The presence of multiple functional groups allows for diverse chemical reactions and modifications.
  • Potential Therapeutic Uses: Research suggests that compounds with similar structures may be utilized in treating conditions like hormonal imbalances, certain cancers, and even inflammatory diseases. The hydroxyl group enhances its reactivity, possibly leading to innovative pharmaceutical applications.
  • Natural Occurrence: This molecule or its derivatives may be found in certain plants or fungi, contributing to the ongoing exploration of natural compounds in drug discovery. Natural products have always provided a rich source of inspiration for the development of new therapeutics.
  • Structural Complexity: With multiple rings and substituents, the three-dimensional conformation of this compound is incredibly complex, making it an interesting topic for stereochemistry studies. The chirality at the 17R position adds significance to its biological activity.

In summary, the exploration of (17R)-17-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-10,13,16-trimethyl-6,7,8,9,12,14,15,16-octahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,11-dione opens doors to understanding intricate biochemical pathways and harnessing the power of nature for therapeutic advancements. As scientists and students dive deeper, they uncover the potential of such compounds to impact various realms of health and science in innovative ways.