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Chlorophyll

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Identification
Molecular formula
C55H72O5N4Mg
CAS number
479-61-8
IUPAC name
3-[18-(2-carboxyethyl)-17-(hydroxymethylene)-12-(1-hydroxy-5,9,13-trimethyl-tetradeca-4,8,12-trienyl)-3,8,13-trimethyl-7-vinyl-22H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, chlorophyll exists as a solid. It is insoluble in water but can be dissolved in organic solvents such as ethanol or acetone. Its state and solubility contribute to its primary functions in biological systems, embedded within the chloroplast membranes.

Melting point (Celsius)
150.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
423.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
650.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
923.00
General information
Molecular weight
893.51g/mol
Molar mass
893.5090g/mol
Density
1.2000g/cm3
Appearence

Chlorophyll typically appears as a green pigment. It is a key molecule in photosynthesis, responsible for the absorption of light in the chloroplasts of plants, algae, and some bacteria. In its isolated form, chlorophyll can appear as a waxy, crystalline solid with a deep green color.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-[18-(2-carboxyethyl)-17-(hydroxymethylene)-12-(1-hydroxy-5,9,13-trimethyl-tetradeca-4,8,12-trienyl)-3,8,13-trimethyl-7-vinyl-22H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid

The solubility of the compound C55H72O5N4Mg is influenced by various structural features and interactions. Here are some key points to consider:

  • Hydrophilicity vs. Hydrophobicity: This compound contains both hydrophilic (carboxylic acid group) and hydrophobic (long hydrocarbon chains) components. Consequently, its overall solubility may vary in different solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: Typically, compounds with high molecular weights and significant hydrophobic regions exhibit low solubility in polar solvents (e.g., water) but may dissolve in organic solvents (e.g., ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide).
  • pH Dependency: The presence of carboxylic acid functional groups suggests that solubility can also be affected by pH. In acidic conditions, the protonation of the carboxylic group may enhance solubility.
  • Complex Formation: This compound can form complexes with metal ions (like magnesium), which can alter its solubility profile and make it more soluble in certain environments.

Overall, while the precise solubility characteristics of this compound may require empirical testing for determination, its multifaceted structure provides fascinating insight into the complex interplay of factors influencing solubility.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-[18-(2-carboxyethyl)-17-(hydroxymethylene)-12-(1-hydroxy-5,9,13-trimethyl-tetradeca-4,8,12-trienyl)-3,8,13-trimethyl-7-vinyl-22H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic Acid

This remarkable compound is a complex synthetic derivative of porphyrins, which are essential biomolecules known for their role in various biological functions. Here's why this particular molecule stands out:

  • Porphyrin Scaffold: The compound is based on a porphyrin structure, which is known for its capacity to chelate metal ions, particularly magnesium, a feature that is crucial for its function in biological systems, including photosynthesis.
  • Functional Groups: With its multiple functional groups, including carboxyethyl and hydroxymethylene, the compound exhibits interesting chemical reactivity, making it useful in various medicinal and industrial applications.
  • Bioactivity: Due to its structural complexity and the presence of vinyl and trimethyl groups, this compound displays promising bioactivity. Porphyrins are often studied for their potential in photodynamic therapy, a treatment modality for cancers.
  • Synthetic Chemistry: The synthesis of this molecule illustrates the intricacies of organic chemistry, highlighting how modifications to simple porphyrins can yield significant variations in properties and potential applications.
  • Research Applications: Researchers are exploring its use in drug delivery systems and in the development of catalysts for chemical reactions, evidence of the compound's versatility within various fields of study.

In essence, this compound exemplifies how modifications in organic structures can lead to enhanced functionalities, making it a subject of keen interest in modern chemical research.

"Science is all about discovering and understanding the unexpected."— a reminder of how versatile compounds like this can be in advancing our knowledge and technology.

Synonyms
DTXSID901100977
7-Ethenyl-17-formyl-12-[(4E,8E)-1-hydroxy-5,9,13-trimethyl-4,8,12-tetradecatrien-1-yl]-3,8,13-trimethyl-21H,23H-porphine-2,18-dipropanoic acid