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Cortisol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H30O5
CAS number
50-23-7
IUPAC name
(2S,5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10,13,17-trimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
State
State

At room temperature, cortisol is a solid.

Melting point (Celsius)
221.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
494.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
570.85
Boiling point (Kelvin)
844.00
General information
Molecular weight
362.46g/mol
Molar mass
362.4600g/mol
Density
1.1200g/cm3
Appearence

Cortisol typically appears as a white to off-white powder that is odorless. It is a glucocorticoid hormone and therefore handles with care due to its biological activity.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2S,5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10,13,17-trimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one

This complex compound, characterized by its intricate structure, exhibits particular solubility properties that can be intriguing to analyze. Solubility is fundamentally influenced by several factors:

  • Polarity: The presence of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in its molecular structure suggests that this compound may show moderate solubility in polar solvents such as water, while its larger hydrophobic sections may lead to limited solubility.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: The bulky hydrocarbon portions of the molecule likely lead to significant hydrophobic interactions, suggesting that non-polar solvents like hexane or chloroform could enhance solubility.
  • Temperature Effects: Generally, an increase in temperature can enhance the solubility of organic compounds, especially those with higher molecular weights. Thus, heating the solvent could potentially increase solubility rates.
  • pH Dependence: The solubility of the compound may also be pH-dependent due to the hydroxyl groups. Changes in pH could alter the degree of ionization of these groups, ultimately affecting solubility in aqueous environments.

In conclusion, while the complex molecular structure provides valuable insight into its solubility characteristics, practical experimentation remains essential for definitive understanding. It is often said, "What dissolves can be discovered," emphasizing the role of solubility in the exploration of chemical properties and behavior.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (2S,5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10,13,17-trimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one

This fascinating compound is part of a class of chemical substances known for their intricate structures and significant biological activities. Often studied for their applications in medicinal chemistry, let's explore some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Steroidal Structure: The compound exhibits a steroid backbone, which is essential for several physiological functions in living organisms. Steroids are critical due to their role in hormonal systems.
  • Hydroxyl Groups: The presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups adds to the compound's reactivity and potential biological interactions, enhancing its solubility and affinity for biological targets.
  • Natural Occurrence: Similar compounds are frequently derived from natural sources, particularly plants, and are known to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities.
  • Potential Applications: Researchers are exploring the potential of this compound in therapeutic settings, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer applications, thanks to its unique structural properties.
  • Complexity and Stereochemistry: The stereochemical configuration of this compound is quite complex, which is significant for its biological activity. The specific arrangement of atoms can dramatically affects how it interacts with biological molecules.

As we unravel the mysteries of such complex compounds, we continually discover the interconnectedness of chemistry, biology, and medicine. The exploration of this specific compound not only enhances our understanding of steroidal chemistry but also holds promise for future scientific advancements.

Synonyms
20592-44-3
17beta-Hydroxy-2alpha-(hydroxymethyl)-17-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3-one
(2S,5S,8R,9S,10S,13S,14S,17S)-17-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-10,13,17-trimethyl-2,4,5,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one
NSC 53036
2-alpha-Hydroxymethyl-17-alpha-methyl-17-beta-hydroxyandrostan-3-one
17-beta-Hydroxy-2-alpha-(hydroxymethyl)-17-methyl-5-alpha-androstan-3-one
5-alpha-ANDROSTAN-3-ONE, 17-beta-HYDROXY-2-alpha-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-17-METHYL-
CHEBI:79655
DTXSID601166827
NSC53036
NSC-53036
Q27148778
(2I+/-,5I+/-,17I(2))-17-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-17-methylandrostan-3-one
17beta-hydroxy-2alpha-(hydroxy-methyl)-17alpha-methyl-5alpha-androstan-3-one