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Saxitoxin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H17N7C18H29NO6
CAS number
35523-89-8
IUPAC name
[(1R,6S,9S,10R,11S,12S,14R,19S,22R,23R,25R)-12,23-diacetoxy-1,10,11,14-tetrahydroxy-6,10,19-trimethyl-24-oxa-4-azaheptacyclo[12.12.0.02,11.04,9.015,25.018,23.019,25]hexacosan-22-yl] acetate
State
State

At room temperature, saxitoxin is typically in a solid state. It is often handled in laboratories as a powder or in a crystalline form, particularly when assessing its toxicological properties or using it in research. Being a toxin, it is handled with extreme caution.

Melting point (Celsius)
300.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
573.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
270.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
543.15
General information
Molecular weight
299.36g/mol
Molar mass
299.3550g/mol
Density
0.8501g/cm3
Appearence

Saxitoxin is a colorless compound that can appear in various crystalline forms. As a dry powder, it typically does not have any specific color. The crystalline nature is often crucial for its identification and analytical applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility Analysis of the Compound

The solubility of the compound named [(1R,6S,9S,10R,11S,12S,14R,19S,22R,23R,25R)-12,23-diacetoxy-1,10,11,14-tetrahydroxy-6,10,19-trimethyl-24-oxa-4-azaheptacyclo[12.12.0.02,11.04,9.015,25.018,23.019,25]hexacosan-22-yl] acetate is influenced by its complex molecular structure. Several key factors impact its solubility, including:

  • Molecular Weight: The compound possesses a high molecular weight due to the presence of multiple functional groups, which can restrict solubility in common solvents.
  • Functional Groups: It contains both hydroxyl (-OH) and acetate (-OCOCH3) groups that typically increase solubility in polar solvents, such as water.
  • Hydrophobic Regions: The presence of hydrophobic tetrahydroxy and alkyl chain sections may hinder solubility in polar solvents, thus creating a diverse solubility profile.
  • Solvent Interactions: The solubility behavior may vary significantly depending on the solvent used. Polar solvents tend to solvate the hydroxyl groups effectively, while non-polar solvents might not dissolve the compound efficiently.

In summary, while the compound exhibits potential solubility in polar environments due to its hydroxyl and acetate functionalities, its extensive hydrophobic regions and high molecular weight suggest that it could also present challenges in achieving full dissolution. The intricate balance of these factors makes it essential to evaluate solubility on a case-by-case basis for various solvents.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about the Compound

This intriguing compound, with its lengthy and complex name, belongs to a category of chemicals known as natural products. Natural products have a rich history in the field of chemistry, often isolated from plant or animal sources and linked to medicinal properties. One of the most charming aspects of this compound is its intricate structure, which contains a remarkable number of cycles and functional groups, showcasing the beauty of organic chemistry.

Key Characteristics

  • Multifunctionality: The presence of various hydroxy and acetate groups indicates potential reactivity, making this compound a candidate for derivatization and further study.
  • Cyclic Complexity: The heptacyclic framework (heptacyclo) underscores the compound's structural sophistication, which can lead to unique interactions in biological systems.
  • Chirality: With multiple chiral centers, the compound can exist in several stereoisomeric forms. This chirality is fundamental in determining how the compound interacts with biological targets, making it an area of interest for pharmacological studies.

Potential Applications

The intricate structure and functional groups present in this compound suggest several exciting applications:

  • Medicinal Chemistry: Due to its natural product origins, it may exhibit biological activities that could be harnessed for therapeutic uses.
  • Biochemical Research: Its unique properties may be used in the study of enzyme mechanisms or for the synthesis of related compounds.
  • Materials Science: The adaptability of such compounds may allow for applications in the development of advanced materials or coatings.

In conclusion, the fascination of studying this compound lies not only in its complex chemistry but also in its potential to inspire innovations in various fields. As Albert Einstein once said, "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." This compound is a testament to that curiosity, inviting chemists to explore the unexplored.

Synonyms
3,4,16-Triacetylcevin
24158-20-1
RefChem:1065650
4,9-Epoxycevane-3-alpha,4-beta,12,14,16-beta,17,20-heptol 3,4,16-triacetate
CEVANE-3-alpha,4-beta,12,14,16-beta,17,20-HEPTOL, 4,9-EPOXY-, 3,4,16-TRIACETATE
DTXSID10946985
12,14,17,20-Tetrahydroxy-4,9-epoxycevane-3,4,16-triyl triacetate