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Lecithin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C42H82NO9P
CAS number
8002-43-5
IUPAC name
2-[(3-hexadecoxy-2-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy-propoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, lecithin is typically a waxy solid or viscous liquid, largely depending on its source and degree of saturation of its fatty acid chains.

Melting point (Celsius)
-20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
253.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
250.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
523.15
General information
Molecular weight
768.01g/mol
Molar mass
768.0130g/mol
Density
1.0303g/cm3
Appearence

Lecithin is a yellow-brown colored fatty substance that takes a variety of forms. It can appear as a waxy solid, granules, or a liquid, depending on its specific formulation and source. It is commonly derived from soybeans or egg yolks.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-[(3-hexadecoxy-2-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy-propoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium

The solubility of the compound 2-[(3-hexadecoxy-2-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy-propoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium (C42H82NO9P) can be characterized as follows:

  • Solvent type: This compound is likely to be soluble in polar protic solvents due to the presence of ammonium and phosphoryl groups, which can interact favorably with water molecules.
  • Long hydrophobic tail: The long hexadecoxy and icosa tail suggests a significant hydrophobic character, which may limit its overall solubility in purely polar solvents.
  • Micelle formation: In mixed solvent environments or amphiphilic systems, the compound might form micelles, enhancing solubility through self-aggregation.
  • pH dependencies: The solubility may also depend on the pH of the solution, as changes in protonation states of the ammonium and the phosphate group can impact solubility behavior.

In summary, while the presence of *hydrophilic* functionalities may promote solubility in certain polar environments, it’s essential to consider the balance between these and the *hydrophobic* characteristics influenced by the long carbon chain structures.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-[(3-hexadecoxy-2-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy-propoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium

This compound is a fascinating example of a quaternary ammonium salt, which has generated significant interest in the fields of medicinal chemistry and material science. Quaternary ammonium compounds like this one are known for their amphiphilic nature, meaning they possess both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) properties. This dual character allows them to play versatile roles in various applications.

Key Features:

  • Biological Relevance: This compound's structure suggests it may interact with cell membranes due to its long alkyl tails and cationic head group. Such interactions can be crucial for drug delivery systems, targeting cellular uptake.
  • Surface Activity: Due to its amphiphilic nature, it may serve as a surfactant, lowering the surface tension of solutions, which could be beneficial in formulations for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products.
  • Synthesis Potential: The complex structure, including multiple functional groups, indicates a sophisticated synthetic route. Experts utilize various organic reactions to construct such compounds, illustrating the depth of organic synthesis.
  • Research Applications: Ongoing research is investigating its potential use in gene delivery, nanotechnology, and as a coating agent due to its ability to modify surfaces.

Moreover, researchers are particularly excited about compounds like this one because they can help design targeted therapies that minimize side effects by directing treatment specifically to affected cells.

In summary, the exploration of 2-[(3-hexadecoxy-2-icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy-propoxy)-hydroxy-phosphoryl]oxyethyl-trimethyl-ammonium opens up intriguing avenues for future research and practical applications across multiple fields within chemistry and biomedicine.

Synonyms
1-O-Hexadecyl-2-O-arachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine
3-(hexadecyloxy)-2-(icosa-5,8,11,14-tetraenoyloxy)propoxy(2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxy)phosphinic acid