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Hydrocortisone

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H30O5
CAS number
50-23-7
IUPAC name
3-(17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, hydrocortisone is in a solid state. It is typically handled as a powder for pharmaceutical purposes, allowing easy packaging and distribution in the form of tablets, creams, or injections.

Melting point (Celsius)
218.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
491.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
546.60
Boiling point (Kelvin)
819.80
General information
Molecular weight
362.46g/mol
Molar mass
362.4610g/mol
Density
1.3000g/cm3
Appearence

Hydrocortisone typically appears as a white or almost white crystalline powder. It can also appear as colorless crystals. It is odorless and has a slight bitter taste. The compound is moderately soluble in water, freely soluble in ethanol, and practically insoluble in chloroform and ether.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-(17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)propanoic acid

The solubility of the compound with the formula C21H30O5 presents an intriguing aspect of its chemical behavior. This compound is largely hydrophobic due to its complex hydrocarbon structure, which includes multiple carbon chains and rings. As a result, several key points can be made about its solubility:

  • Insoluble in Water: Generally, large organic compounds like this one, especially those with extensive hydrocarbon frameworks, tend to be insoluble in polar solvents like water.
  • Soluble in Organic Solvents: Conversely, the compound is likely to be soluble in non-polar organic solvents such as hexane, ether, or chloroform, where it can interact favorably.
  • Effect of Functional Groups: The presence of the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) may enhance its solubility in specific conditions, especially if the solvent can engage in hydrogen bonding.

In conclusion, while the overall solubility profile of this compound leans towards low water solubility, the specific solvent interactions and structural features offer fascinating opportunities to explore its behavior in various chemical environments.

Interesting facts

Exploring 3-(17-Hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)propanoic Acid

This intriguing compound, often studied in the realm of organic chemistry and biochemistry, presents significant opportunities for research and application. Often referred to in scientific circles for its potential biological activities, this compound belongs to a class known as steroids, reflecting a complex structural framework.

Key Points of Interest:

  • Biological Activity: Due to its steroidal nature, there are indications that this compound may possess various biological properties, which can be of great interest in pharmacological research.
  • Potential Applications: Compounds like this one are explored for their potential use in therapeutics, especially in treating hormone-related conditions.
  • Synthetic Pathways: The synthesis of such complex compounds can illuminate various organic synthesis techniques, enabling chemists to explore innovative methods to construct intricate molecular architectures.
  • Structural Complexity: The detailed structural features, including the presence of multiple chiral centers and functional groups, provide rich terrain for stereochemistry studies and influence their chemical properties significantly.

As with many compounds in the steroid family, the structure can provide insights into various metabolic pathways, influencing the study of hormonal functions or potential drug interactions. This compound also serves as an important reminder of the interconnectedness of chemical structure and biological function. In the words of a famous chemist, *"The beauty of a molecule lies not just in its structure but in the harmony it creates with life itself."*

Research into compounds like this one continues to yield fascinating insights, making it a vibrant area of study for chemists eager to unravel the complexities of natural and synthetic molecules alike.

Synonyms
3-(17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,8,9,11,12,14,15,16-octahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)propanoic acid
17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-17alpha-pregna-4,6-diene-21-carboxylic acid
17-Hydroxy-3-oxo-17.alpha.-pregna-4,6-diene-21-carboxylic acid
CHEMBL4761217
Pregna-4,6-diene-21-carboxylic acid, 17-hydroxy-3-oxo-, (17.alpha.)-
DTXSID10859708
CHEBI:143459
3-(17-Hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-3-oxo-2,3,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl)propanoic acid