Skip to main content

N-Acetylneuraminic acid

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C11H19NO9
CAS number
131-48-6
IUPAC name
(2S,4S,5R,6R)-5-acetamido-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)tetrahydropyran-2-carboxylic acid
State
State

At room temperature, N-Acetylneuraminic acid is typically a solid. It commonly exists in powder or crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
185.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
458.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
185.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
458.15
General information
Molecular weight
309.27g/mol
Molar mass
309.2730g/mol
Density
1.6300g/cm3
Appearence

N-Acetylneuraminic acid typically appears as a white crystalline solid. Its precise crystalline form can vary depending on its hydrate state or any salts it may form, but in its pure form, it maintains this characteristic white and crystalline appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2S,4S,5R,6R)-5-acetamido-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)tetrahydropyran-2-carboxylic acid

The compound (2S,4S,5R,6R)-5-acetamido-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)tetrahydropyran-2-carboxylic acid exhibits notable solubility characteristics due to its complex structure and presence of multiple functional groups.

Key points about its solubility include:

  • Hydrophilicity: The presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups significantly enhances its ability to interact with water, making the compound highly soluble in aqueous solutions.
  • Amino Group: The acetamido group contributes to the hydrophilic nature of the molecule, further promoting solubility in polar solvents.
  • Carboxylic Acid: The carboxylic acid moiety can ionize in basic conditions, increasing solubility in alkaline environments.
  • Steric Factors: The tetrahydropyran ring structure may influence the orientation of these functional groups, allowing for better solvation in polar solvents.

Overall, as a consequence of its many hydroxyl and polar functional groups, this compound is expected to display high solubility in water, making it particularly useful in various biochemical applications where solubility is crucial.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About (2S,4S,5R,6R)-5-acetamido-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)tetrahydropyran-2-carboxylic acid

This complex compound is part of the family of naturally occurring carbohydrates and demonstrates fascinating biochemistry. It is notably recognized for its role in various biochemical processes that are crucial for cellular function.

Key Features:

  • Sugar Derivative: This compound is a derivative of a sugar, showcasing the intricate modifications that can occur in carbohydrate chemistry.
  • Biological Activity: It exhibits significant biological activity, making it a valuable compound in pharmaceutical research and development.
  • Functional Groups: The presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) and acetamido groups contributes to its hydrophilic characteristics, enhancing its interaction with biological systems.

This compound can serve as a model for understanding various chemical reactions involving sugar derivatives, leading to insight into how modifications can impact functionality. As a prospective source of therapeutic agents, it might hold promise in treating conditions related to metabolic disorders or bacterial infections due to its bioactive properties.

Moreover, studying this compound allows researchers to delve into chiral chemistry, as its three-dimensional structure can influence its properties and interactions significantly. As quoted by a well-known chemist, "The structure of a molecule is a reflection of its potential; understanding that structure opens up a world of possibilities." This statement holds true, particularly in the context of studying such intricate compounds.

In summary, (2S,4S,5R,6R)-5-acetamido-2,4-dihydroxy-6-(1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl)tetrahydropyran-2-carboxylic acid exemplifies the intersection of structural complexity and biological function, making it a topic of great interest in both academic and applied chemistry.