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Ibuprofen

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Identification
Molecular formula
C13H18O2
CAS number
15687-27-1
IUPAC name
2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, ibuprofen is typically in a solid state in the form of a crystalline powder. It is usually administered in solid tablet form, although it can also be prepared in liquid suspensions and other formulations for oral administration.

Melting point (Celsius)
75.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
348.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
157.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
430.15
General information
Molecular weight
206.28g/mol
Molar mass
206.2820g/mol
Density
1.0300g/cm3
Appearence

Ibuprofen is a white powder that is crystalline in form. It is often available in tablet form for medical use. As a pure substance, it should appear as a fine, white to off-white powder. It is odorless or may have a faint characteristic odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid

2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid, often recognized for its unique structural characteristics, exhibits **moderate to low solubility** in water. This behavior can be attributed to several factors:

  • Functional Groups: The presence of both hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups enhances the compound's solubility due to hydrogen bonding potential.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: The isopropyl and methyl substituents contribute to hydrophobicity, which can impede solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • pH Dependency: Solubility may vary with the pH of the solution, as the ionization of the carboxylic acid group can increase solubility in alkaline conditions.

In organic solvents, 2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid tends to show increased solubility. Some notable solvents include:

  1. **Ethanol**
  2. **Acetone**
  3. **Dichloromethane**

As a rule of thumb, the more polar the solvent, the better the solubility for compounds bearing functional groups that can engage in strong intermolecular interactions. Therefore, while 2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid may not be highly soluble in water, its interactions with other solvents can vary dramatically.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About 2-Hydroxy-5-Isopropyl-4-Methyl-Benzoic Acid

2-Hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid, often referred to in the scientific community by its common name, is a fascinating compound with numerous applications and unique properties.

Key Characteristics:

  • Functionality: This compound features a carboxylic acid group, which is a pivotal functional group in organic chemistry, imparting acidic properties and influencing reactivity.
  • Hydroxyl Group: The presence of a hydroxyl (-OH) group not only provides potential for hydrogen bonding but also enhances water solubility, which is particularly beneficial in biochemical applications.
  • Isopropyl Group: The isopropyl substituent contributes to the compound's steric hindrance, which can affect its interaction with biological macromolecules and alters its reactivity.

Applications:

This compound is noteworthy for its applications in various fields, including:

  • Pharmaceuticals: It is often examined for its potential in drug formulations due to its favorable pharmacological properties.
  • Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a versatile intermediate in organic synthesis, paving the way for the development of more complex molecules.
  • Research: Scientists study this compound to understand its behavior and interactions in different chemical environments, aiding in the development of new materials.

Fun Fact:

“The beauty of this compound lies not only in its structure but also in its capacity to participate in diverse reactions, making it a subject of great interest among chemists.”

In conclusion, 2-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-4-methyl-benzoic acid exemplifies the intricacy and diversity found in organic chemistry, highlighting the importance of structure in determining function and reactivity.

Synonyms
o-CYMENE-4-CARBOXYLIC ACID, 5-HYDROXY-
17479-64-0
Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-
BRN 3255813
5-Hydroxy-o-cymene-4-carboxylic acid
2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-5-isopropylbenzoic acid
2-10-00-00171 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
SCHEMBL9252960
DTXSID90169897