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Lecithin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C10H21N2O5P
CAS number
8002-43-5
IUPAC name
2-[(2-amino-3-hydroxy-octadec-4-enoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, lecithin is commonly found as a solid, though it can also be processed into a liquid form depending on its application, such as in food additives, which help emulsify and stabilize oil-in-water mixtures.

Melting point (Celsius)
-20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
253.20
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
521.34g/mol
Molar mass
521.3430g/mol
Density
1.0300g/cm3
Appearence

Lecithin is a fatty, yellow to brown-colored substance that typically appears as a waxy solid. It is often found in various physical states ranging from liquid to powder form, especially when used as an emulsifier in food products. In its pure form, lecithin can appear as a semi-solid paste or dry granular powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-[(2-amino-3-hydroxy-octadec-4-enoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium

The solubility of chemical compounds often depends on their structure and the presence of functional groups. For the compound 2-[(2-amino-3-hydroxy-octadec-4-enoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium (C10H21N2O5P), we can make some important observations:

  • Amphiphilic Nature: This compound likely exhibits amphiphilic characteristics due to the presence of both hydrophilic (e.g., the ammonium and hydroxyl groups) and hydrophobic (the long hydrocarbon chain) regions. This dual character can enhance solubility in various solvents.
  • Water Solubility: Given its ionic nature associated with the trimethyl-ammonium group, it may show a notable degree of solubility in water, which often favors ionic compounds.
  • Organic Solvents: The long hydrocarbon tail suggests some degree of solubility in organic solvents, especially non-polar solvents, due to hydrophobic interactions.
  • Influence of Temperature: The solubility can also vary with temperature; typically, an increase in temperature may enhance solubility for many organic compounds.

In summary, the solubility of this compound is likely to be moderate to high in polar solvents, especially water, while potentially less soluble in non-polar environments due to its structural components. As with many compounds, experimental data could provide specific solubility values in various solvents which would further help elucidate its behavior in different chemical systems.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-[(2-amino-3-hydroxy-octadec-4-enoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium

This fascinating compound belongs to a class of molecules known as phospholipids, which play essential roles in biological systems, particularly as key components of cell membranes. Its unique structural features can be summarized as follows:

  • Biological Importance: The compound's amphiphilic nature, having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic parts, allows it to form bilayers that are crucial for membrane formation.
  • Potential Applications: Due to its characteristic properties, this compound may find utility in drug delivery systems, targeting therapies, or as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations.
  • Bonding Capabilities: The presence of amino and hydroxy groups suggests potential reactivity, making it a candidate for further modifications that can enhance its functionality.

As a versatile molecule, it serves as a model for understanding more complex biological interactions. Its significant phosphonate group provides opportunities to explore interactions with biological targets, making it highly valuable in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry. Moreover, researchers often investigate its structure-activity relationships to gain insights into how small changes in its structure can dramatically influence its function.

In the world of chemistry, it’s fascinating to note that compounds like this one are integral to the development of biotechnology and materials science. As we delve deeper into the molecular architecture of such compounds, we unlock new potentials and applications that could lead to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.

Synonyms
DTXSID80862729
PD062279
2-({[(2-Amino-3-hydroxyoctadec-4-en-1-yl)oxy](hydroxy)phosphoryl}oxy)-N,N,N-trimethylethan-1-aminium