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Carnitine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H15NO3
CAS number
541-15-1
IUPAC name
[(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, carnitine exists as a solid and is typically in a zwitterionic form due to its internal balance of charges from the carboxylate and ammonium ions.

Melting point (Celsius)
197.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
470.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
204.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
477.15
General information
Molecular weight
161.20g/mol
Molar mass
161.1980g/mol
Density
1.1450g/cm3
Appearence

Carnitine appears as a white crystalline solid. The compound is soluble in water and has a characteristic slightly fishy odor noticeable in its pure form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium

The solubility of the compound [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium can be influenced by several key factors:

  • Hydrophilicity: The presence of multiple functional groups such as carboxy and hydroxy makes this compound highly hydrophilic.
  • Ionization: Being a quaternary ammonium compound, it tends to ionize in aqueous solutions, which significantly enhances its solubility in water.
  • Polarity: The polar characteristics of the molecule improve its affinity for polar solvents like water, making it soluble.
  • Temperature Effects: Such compounds may exhibit increased solubility with rising temperatures, as solvation processes are generally more favorable at elevated temperatures.

To summarize:

  1. Highly soluble in water due to hydrophilic nature.
  2. Ionization contributes to its significant solubility.
  3. Polarity enhances interaction with polar solvents.

In conclusion, one might say that "the solubility of [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium is not just a result of its molecular structure, but a dance of functional interactions with solvents." Thus, this compound is expected to dissolve readily in aqueous environments, facilitating its functionality in various applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium

[(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium is an intriguing compound that plays a significant role in various biochemical applications. Here are some compelling aspects of this compound:

  • Structure and Functionality: This compound features a quaternary ammonium group, which is known for its positive charge. This feature makes it particularly useful in biological membranes and cellular communication.
  • Biological Relevance: It acts as a metabolite in certain biological pathways, influencing processes like cell signaling and enzyme activity. Understanding its behavior can provide insights into metabolic functions.
  • Potential Applications: Researchers are exploring its potential in drug design, particularly as a pharmaceutical carrier due to its ability to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of certain drugs.
  • Chirality: As a compound featuring chirality, [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium is an example of how the orientation of atoms influences its properties and reactivity, an important concept in organic chemistry.
  • Safety and Regulation: Like many chemical compounds, it is essential to understand its safety profile. Regulatory bodies often examine its toxicity and environmental impact, making it important in the context of sustainable chemistry.

In summary, [(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl]-trimethyl-ammonium is not just a compound to examine in the lab; it opens doors to exciting fields of research and application. Scientists continue to unravel its mysteries, and its contributions to chemistry and biology remain a topic of great interest.

Synonyms
(3-CARBOXY-2-(R)-HYDROXY-PROPYL)-TRIMETHYL-AMMONIUM
((2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylazanium
[(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl]trimethylazanium
44984-08-9
DEXTROCARNITINE
CHEBI:39547
(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium
(R)-carnitinium
[(2R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl]-trimethylazanium
SCHEMBL1069009
CHEMBL1229656
DTXSID20274509
DB02648
SBI-0206849.P001
NS00069076
SR-05000002013
SR-01000765388-6
SR-05000002013-1
BRD-K59647213-001-09-7
BRD-K59647213-001-10-5
Q27093606
(R)-3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium