Skip to main content

D-gluconic acid

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C6H12O7
CAS number
526-95-4
IUPAC name
(2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, D-gluconic acid is typically found as a solid in its anhydrous form, but it can also exist as a liquid in aqueous solutions.

Melting point (Celsius)
131.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
404.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
160.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
433.15
General information
Molecular weight
196.16g/mol
Molar mass
196.1560g/mol
Density
1.5410g/cm3
Appearence

D-gluconic acid is a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is typically found in its solution form and can vary from colorless to light yellow, depending on the concentration and purity.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid

(2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid is a compound characterized by multiple hydroxyl groups, which significantly influence its solubility properties. The presence of these hydroxyl (-OH) groups typically leads to enhanced solubility in polar solvents such as water. Here are some key points to consider about its solubility:

  • Polar Nature: The hydroxyl groups interact favorably with water molecules due to hydrogen bonding, making it more soluble in aqueous solutions.
  • Concentration Dependency: The solubility can vary significantly with concentration; higher concentrations might lead to saturation effects.
  • Temperature Effect: Increased temperatures generally improve solubility, allowing better interaction between the solute and the solvent.

In summary, due to its structure, (2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid is expected to be quite soluble in water, showcasing the impact of chemical structure on solubility. As a rule of thumb, more functional groups lead to better solubility in polar solvents.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid

(2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid is a fascinating compound that showcases the incredible diversity of organic chemistry. This compound belongs to the family of polyol acids, which are organic acids containing multiple hydroxyl groups. Here are a few captivating aspects of this unique compound:

  • Structural complexity: The presence of five hydroxyl groups on a six-carbon backbone exemplifies the structural intricacies that can arise in organic compounds. This complexity allows for a variety of chemical reactions and interactions.
  • Stereochemistry: The notation of (2R,4S,5S) indicates specific chiral centers in the molecule, each contributing to its unique three-dimensional shape. This stereochemistry can significantly affect the compound's chemical behavior and interactions with enzymes.
  • Biological relevance: Compounds with multiple hydroxyl groups are often found in nature and play crucial roles in biological systems. They can participate in hydrogen bonding, making them essential for various biochemical processes.
  • Applications: Understanding this compound can lead to advancements in pharmaceuticals and biochemistry, especially in the development of sugar substitutes or in designing drugs that mimic sugar-like properties, enhancing their efficacy.
  • Potential for research: Given its chiral centers, (2R,4S,5S)-2,3,4,5,6-pentahydroxyhexanoic acid can serve as a valuable model for studying chirality's influence on biological activity and drug design.

In conclusion, this compound exemplifies the depth and richness of organic chemistry. Its complex structure, biological significance, and potential applications highlight how even small changes in molecular architecture can lead to vast differences in behavior and application. As students and researchers delve into similar compounds, they open the door to untold possibilities in science and medicine.