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Melatonin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C13H16N2O2S
CAS number
73-31-4
IUPAC name
2-amino-N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-methylsulfanyl-butanamide
State
State

At room temperature, melatonin is in a solid state. It is widely used in supplement form and can vary slightly in appearance depending on the formulation, but the pure compound is distinctly solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
116.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
389.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
332.30
Boiling point (Kelvin)
605.45
General information
Molecular weight
232.32g/mol
Molar mass
232.3180g/mol
Density
1.1740g/cm3
Appearence

Melatonin typically appears as a white, crystalline powder. It is relatively stable in its solid form and can be dissolved in ethanol, DMSO, and other solvents for experimental purposes.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-amino-N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-methylsulfanyl-butanamide

The compound 2-amino-N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-methylsulfanyl-butanamide presents interesting solubility characteristics that can be influenced by its unique molecular structure. Understanding its solubility is essential for applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and biochemistry.

Solubility Factors

Several factors contribute to the solubility of this compound:

  • Polarity: The presence of amino and methoxy groups enhances the compound's polarity, which may increase solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The amino group can participate in hydrogen bonding, further promoting solubility in polar environments.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: The indole structure introduces hydrophobic characteristics, which can affect solubility in non-polar solvents.

Overall Solubility

In general, compounds like this may exhibit:

  • High solubility in aqueous solutions due to polar functional groups.
  • Limited solubility in non-polar organic solvents because of competing hydrophobic interactions.
  • Potential for variable solubility depending on the pH of the solution, as protonation states can change the compound's properties.

As noted in many studies, solubility is a crucial characteristic that not only affects the bioavailability of pharmaceutical compounds but also determines their overall functionality in biochemical processes. Thus, the solubility profile of 2-amino-N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-methylsulfanyl-butanamide should be thoroughly characterized to harness its potential effectively.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-amino-N-[2-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]-4-methylsulfanyl-butanamide

This compound, often referred to in discussions about novel pharmacological agents, features unique structural components that contribute to its intriguing properties. Here are some noteworthy aspects:

  • Indole Derivative: The inclusion of the indole ring makes this compound particularly interesting, as indole structures are found in many biologically active compounds.
  • Potential Pharmacological Applications: Given its unique structure, there is ongoing research into its possible effects on the central nervous system, which could lead to new therapeutic approaches.
  • Sulfur-Containing Moiety: The presence of the methylsulfanyl group may enhance the compound's interaction with biological targets, contributing to its efficacy or selectivity.
  • Mechanisms of Action: As with many amino-substituted compounds, understanding its mechanism of action at the molecular level is a subject of interest for medicinal chemists. Research may delve into how it modulates neurotransmitter systems.
  • Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): The structure of this compound showcases how small changes can lead to different biological outcomes, a key concept in drug design.

As the scientific community continues to explore the vast realm of chemical compounds, this compound’s combination of indole, amine, and sulfanyl functionality positions it as a valuable candidate for further study in drug development and understanding molecular biology.