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Monoacylglycerol (Monohexadecanoyl-rac-glycerol)

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H40O5
CAS number
27215-38-9
IUPAC name
[2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl] hexadecanoate
State
State
At room temperature, this compound is typically found as a liquid that is somewhat viscous due to its molecular structure. In its purest form, it might solidify slightly below room temperature.
Melting point (Celsius)
20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
293.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
350.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
623.15
General information
Molecular weight
330.49g/mol
Molar mass
330.4930g/mol
Density
0.9415g/cm3
Appearence

This compound is a colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid. It is an oily, lipophilic substance and may form a film upon drying.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl] hexadecanoate

The solubility of the compound [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl] hexadecanoate can vary significantly based on several factors:

  • Polarity: This compound contains both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions. The presence of hydroxyl groups contributes to its polar nature, suggesting potential solubility in polar solvents.
  • Size of the aliphatic chain: The hexadecanoate portion, being a long-chain fatty acid ester, is more hydrophobic. This can decrease solubility in water but increases solubility in organic solvents.
  • Temperature: As with many compounds, increased temperature may enhance solubility by reducing viscosity and facilitating molecular interactions.

Generally, the solubility of this compound can be summarized as follows:

  • Likely soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.
  • Demonstrates limited solubility in water due to the competing hydrophobic characteristics of the hexadecanoate moiety.

In conclusion, as with many compounds that possess both polar and non-polar characteristics, predicting the solubility of [2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl] hexadecanoate requires careful consideration of its chemical structure and the solvent used. Ultimately, the solubility can be described as a balance between its hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions.

Interesting facts

Exploring 2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl hexadecanoate

This fascinating compound, commonly referred to in scientific circles, showcases a rich blend of structure and function. Here are some compelling facts about it:

  • Versatile Application: It exhibits potential applications in the fields of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, as it serves as an excellent emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
  • Stereochemistry Significance: The presence of stereocenters in its structure indicates the importance of chirality in biological systems, highlighting how specific configurations can impact the reactivity and interactions of the compound.
  • Derived Building Blocks: This compound is a derivative of natural sugars, showcasing how scientists draw inspiration from biomolecules to create functional compounds for modern applications.
  • Hydroxyl Functionality: With multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups, this compound demonstrates strong hydrogen bonding capabilities, which enhances its solubility in various media and indicates potential interactions with biological molecules.
  • Structural Diversity: The hexadecanoate moiety adds to the structural complexity, contributing to its lipid nature and compatibility with other biological membranes, making it particularly interesting for drug delivery systems.

Overall, 2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxytetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-ethyl hexadecanoate is a prime example of how the intricate design of chemical compounds can yield functional materials with valuable properties, bridging chemistry and real-world applications.

Synonyms
[2-[(2R,3S,4R)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]-2-hydroxyethyl] hexadecanoate
SCHEMBL1092429
IYFATESGLOUGBX-CBOZIWPYSA-N