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Lipoic acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C8H14O2S2
CAS number
1077-27-6
IUPAC name
3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, lipoic acid is a solid. It tends to be sensitive to heat and light, and should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its stability.

Melting point (Celsius)
60.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
333.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
160.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
433.15
General information
Molecular weight
206.33g/mol
Molar mass
206.3330g/mol
Density
1.2800g/cm3
Appearence

Lipoic acid is a yellow solid with a crystalline appearance. When pure, it typically forms needle-like or flake-like crystals. Its color ranges from pale yellow to yellow, and it is relatively stable when exposed to light and air.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic Acid

The solubility of 3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid can be quite intriguing, especially given its unique structure containing both carboxylic acid and sulfanyl groups. Generally, the solubility of a compound is influenced by factors such as polarity, the presence of functional groups, and the nature of the solvent.

For this particular compound:

  • Polarity: Its carboxylic acid group generally enhances water solubility due to its ability to form hydrogen bonds.
  • Sulfanyl Groups: The presence of sulfanyl groups may also contribute to solubility in polar solvents, albeit less effectively than hydroxyl or carbonyl groups.
  • Functional Group Interaction: The combination of polar functional groups in this molecule suggests it may be soluble in polar solvents like water.

As a general observation, many organic acids exhibit high solubility in water because they can dissociate and interact favorably with water molecules. This *dissociation* can be represented as:

"When acids dissolve, they often release protons (H+ ions), increasing the solubility through interaction with water."

In conclusion, while exact solubility values for 3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid may require empirical measurement, its chemical structure suggests that it will likely exhibit a reasonable degree of solubility in polar solvents, aiding its potential applications in various chemical contexts.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic Acid

3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid is a remarkable compound that embodies the intricate relationship between structure and biological function. Here are some fascinating insights into this compound:

  • Unique Functional Groups: This compound contains both carboxylic acid and thioether functionalities, making it an excellent example of how different chemical moieties can significantly influence the properties and reactivities of a molecule.
  • Biological Relevance: Compounds like this one are often studied for their potential roles in metabolic pathways, especially in organisms that utilize sulfur-containing amino acids.
  • Applications in Biochemistry: This compound may serve as a potential precursor for synthesizing biologically active molecules, particularly in drug design where thioether groups can enhance solubility and bioavailability.
  • Research Potential: Scientists are investigating its role in the synthesis of novel chiral compounds, which are valuable in producing pharmaceuticals with specific therapeutic effects.
  • Structural Diversity: The variation in the molecular structure allows researchers to explore different steric and electronic environments, providing insights into how these factors affect chemical reactivity and interaction with biological targets.

The exploration of 3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid exemplifies how intricate relationships between various functional groups can lead to expansive research avenues, opening doors to discovering new applications in both chemistry and medicine. As chemists continue to study such compounds, they enhance our understanding of molecular interactions and strive towards innovative solutions.

Synonyms
4265-57-0
3,3'-(Methylenebis(thio))bispropionic acid
EINECS 224-251-2
DTXSID60195380
3,3'-[methylenebis(thio)]bispropionic acid
DTXCID70117871
224-251-2
METHYLENEBIS(3-MERCAPTOPROPIONIC ACID)
3-(2-carboxyethylsulfanylmethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid
3,3'-(Methylenedithio)dipropionic acid
3-({[(2-carboxyethyl)sulfanyl]methyl}sulfanyl)propanoic acid
3-({[(2-carboxyethyl)thio]methyl}thio)propanoic acid
Maybridge1_007403
4,6-Dithianonanedioic acid
Propanoic acid, 3,3'-[methylenebis(thio)]bis-
86YUD29XF6
SCHEMBL6003905
HMS562I11
KAHUZKHNNDOJNT-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Methylenebis(3-thiopropionic acid)
CCG-52403
AKOS024319299
AS-87108
DB-070328
NS00031222
3,3'-[Methylenebis(thio)]bis[propanoic acid]
beta, beta'-(Methylenedithio)-dipropionic acid
G77448
SR-01000641642-1