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Forskolin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C23H34O7
CAS number
66575-29-9
IUPAC name
[20,21-diacetoxy-6-(3-furyl)-4,19-dihydroxy-5,11,15,16-tetramethyl-3-oxo-9,17-dioxahexacyclo[13.3.3.01,14.02,11.05,10.08,10]henicosan-16-yl] 2-methylbutanoate
State
State

At room temperature, forskolin is a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
233.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
506.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
274.80
Boiling point (Kelvin)
547.95
General information
Molecular weight
410.51g/mol
Molar mass
410.4890g/mol
Density
1.2910g/cm3
Appearence

Forskolin typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is known for its potent aromatic scent. The compound is usually sold in powdered form and might have a slightly oily texture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of the Compound

The compound [20,21-diacetoxy-6-(3-furyl)-4,19-dihydroxy-5,11,15,16-tetramethyl-3-oxo-9,17-dioxahexacyclo[13.3.3.01,14.02,11.05,10.08,10]henicosan-16-yl] 2-methylbutanoate with the chemical formula C23H34O7 exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics.

Key Points about Solubility:

  • Polarity Considerations: This compound is likely to exhibit low solubility in water due to its large hydrophobic hydrocarbon structure and multiple aliphatic carbon chains, which generally resist interaction with polar solvents.
  • Organic Solvents: It is expected to be more soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or chloroform, where non-polar interactions predominate.
  • Temperature Dependence: Like many organic compounds, its solubility may increase with temperature, promoting dissolution in suitable solvents.
  • Functional Groups: The presence of hydroxyl (-OH) and ester functional groups can occasionally enhance solubility in specific conditions, especially in polar organic environments.

In summary, while it may have limited solubility in water, the compound is anticipated to be soluble in various organic solvents, showcasing the fascinating interplay between structure and solubility in organic chemistry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 20,21-diacetoxy-6-(3-furyl)-4,19-dihydroxy-5,11,15,16-tetramethyl-3-oxo-9,17-dioxahexacyclo[13.3.3.01,14.02,11.05,10.08,10]henicosan-16-yl 2-methylbutanoate

This fascinating compound belongs to a complex class of natural products known as terpenoids, which are often characterized by their diverse structures and biological activities. The presence of the furan ring within its structure indicates potential reactivity and functionality, making it a subject of interest in both synthetic and natural medicinal chemistry.

Key Characteristics

  • Origin: Many compounds in this class are derived from natural sources, suggesting the compound may possess valuable pharmacological properties.
  • Functional Groups: The multiple hydroxyl groups present may contribute to hydrogen bonding capabilities, potentially affecting the compound's biological interactions.
  • Applications: The presence of acetoxy groups hints at its potential use in medicinal chemistry, particularly in the development of antifungal or antibacterial agents.

The compound's intricate structure, defined by its hexacyclic core, suggests significant stability, which can be advantageous when designing new drugs. Scientists often utilize such complex molecules as templates for creating derivatives that may exhibit improved efficacy and pharmacokinetic properties.

“Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.” This quote by Henry David Thoreau serves as a reminder of the intricate designs found in natural compounds, where this particular molecule can be seen as a testament to the beauty and complexity of nature's chemistry.

In summary, 20,21-diacetoxy-6-(3-furyl)-4,19-dihydroxy-5,11,15,16-tetramethyl-3-oxo-9,17-dioxahexacyclo[13.3.3.01,14.02,11.05,10.08,10]henicosan-16-yl 2-methylbutanoate is not merely a chemical formula; it is an exploration into the depths of natural product chemistry with potential applications that may benefit human health and the development of new therapeutic approaches.