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Phytol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C20H40O2
CAS number
150-86-7
IUPAC name
2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methyl-octa-2,6-diene-1,8-diol
State
State

Phytol is typically a liquid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
-29.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
244.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
203.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
476.15
General information
Molecular weight
296.54g/mol
Molar mass
296.4940g/mol
Density
0.8806g/cm3
Appearence

Phytol is a colorless or pale-yellow, viscous liquid with a floral to pungent odor. Its oily texture is characteristic, and it is not soluble in water but miscible with organic solvents such as ether.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methyl-octa-2,6-diene-1,8-diol

The solubility of the compound 2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methyl-octa-2,6-diene-1,8-diol (C20H40O2) can be quite complex due to its unique structure. This compound features both hydrophobic and hydrophilic components that significantly influence its behavior in different solvents.

Factors Affecting Solubility:

  • Hydrophobic Hydrocarbon Chains: The lengthy carbon chains contribute to hydrophobic characteristics, making the compound less soluble in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrophilic Hydroxyl Groups: The presence of hydroxyl (-OH) groups enhances the solubility in polar solvents to some extent, attracting water molecules.
  • Chain Branching: The branching in the carbon chain can affect packing and thus solubility in various solvents.

In general, it can be anticipated that this compound will show:

  • Moderate solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or acetone, due to interactions with the hydroxyl groups.
  • Low solubility in water, as the dominating hydrophobic nature of the compound outweighs its polar functionalities.

In summary, the solubility of 2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methyl-octa-2,6-diene-1,8-diol exhibits a balance between its polar and non-polar traits, leading to variable behavior depending on the solvent used. Careful consideration of the solvent medium is essential for predicting its solubility.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About 2-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methyl-octa-2,6-diene-1,8-diol

This compound is quite fascinating due to its unique structural characteristics and potential applications. Here are several points that highlight its significance:

  • Complex Carbon Backbone: This compound features a complex carbon skeleton consisting of twenty carbon atoms. The intricate arrangement contributes to its unique chemical properties and reactivity.
  • Potential Biological Activities: Compounds with similar structures have shown promise in biological research. They may exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiviral, or even anticancer properties, making them potential candidates for drug development.
  • Diverse Synthetic Pathways: The synthesis of this compound can be achieved through various organic reactions, including alkylation and diene synthesis. This versatility allows chemists to explore multiple synthetic routes which can lead to variations in the final product.
  • Natural Occurrences: Dienes and alcohols, which are represented in this compound, are often found in natural products such as plant extracts, which play a crucial role in flavor and fragrance industries.
  • Applications in Material Science: The presence of multiple functional groups might enable this compound to be utilized in forming polymers or other materials with specialized properties, thus expanding its utility beyond organic chemistry.

Furthermore, understanding such complex compounds not only enriches our knowledge in organic chemistry but also opens avenues for interdisciplinary applications across biology, pharmacology, and materials science.

"Chemistry is more than just equations; it’s about understanding the world at a molecular level."

Synonyms
2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dien-1-yl)-6-methylocta-2,6-diene-1,8-diol
CS 684; Kelnac
SCHEMBL8574047
DTXSID10867060
PCA21802
2-(4,8-dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)-6-methylocta-2,6-diene-1,8-diol