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Chlorophyll a

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Identification
Molecular formula
C55H72MgN4O5
CAS number
479-61-8
IUPAC name
3-[20-(carboxymethyl)-18-(dihydroxymethylene)-13-ethyl-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-3,21-dihydro-2H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, chlorophyll a is found as a solid. In its natural state within plants, it is part of the chloroplast's thylakoid membranes.

Melting point (Celsius)
150.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
423.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
550.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
823.15
General information
Molecular weight
893.51g/mol
Molar mass
893.5100g/mol
Density
1.3000g/cm3
Appearence

Chlorophyll a typically appears as a green pigment. It is responsible for the green color seen in many plants. When isolated, it appears as a dark green solid which is crucial for photosynthesis, absorbing light predominantly in the blue and, to a lesser extent, red portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-[20-(carboxymethyl)-18-(dihydroxymethylene)-13-ethyl-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-3,21-dihydro-2H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid

The solubility of this complex organic compound, 3-[20-(carboxymethyl)-18-(dihydroxymethylene)-13-ethyl-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-3,21-dihydro-2H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid, can vary significantly based on several factors. Here are key points that influence its solubility:

  • Polarity: Due to the presence of carboxymethyl and dihydroxymethylene groups, the compound exhibits considerable polar characteristics, which often leads to enhanced solubility in polar solvents such as water.
  • pH Sensitivity: The carboxylic acid moiety can ionize depending on the surrounding pH, further affecting solubility. At lower pH levels, it may remain non-ionized, whereas increased pH can enhance its solubility through ionization.
  • Temperature: As with many compounds, solubility may increase with temperature, allowing for more effective dissolving in solvents.

In various solvents, one could expect:

  1. Water: Likely to be moderately soluble due to polar interactions.
  2. Organic Solvents: May show limited solubility in non-polar solvents due to hydrophobic portions present in the structure.

In summary, the solubility of this porphyrin derivative is multifaceted and contingent on its chemical structure's interaction with the solvent and conditions like pH and temperature. Understanding these factors is crucial for its application in different fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-[20-(carboxymethyl)-18-(dihydroxymethylene)-13-ethyl-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-3,21-dihydro-2H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid

This fascinating compound belongs to the family of porphyrins, which are essential for various biological functions. Porphyrins are known for their role in processes such as oxygen transport, electron transfer, and photosynthesis. Here are some interesting points about this specific porphyrin derivative:

  • Biological Significance: Thanks to its structural complexity, this compound can participate in various biochemical pathways, influencing cellular processes.
  • Synthetic Pathways: The incorporation of carboxymethyl and vinyl groups provides unique sites for further chemical modifications, enabling the design of tailored compounds for specific applications.
  • Potential Applications: This compound may serve as a candidate for drug delivery systems, where its porphyrin moiety can facilitate interactions with biological targets.
  • Photodynamic Therapy: Due to its chromophoric nature, compounds like this one are explored in photodynamic therapy, where light activation leads to a therapeutic effect against cancer cells.
  • Research Tool: It can act as a probe in biochemical studies, providing insights into cellular mechanisms through its interactions with biological molecules.

As quoted by leading chemists, "Porphyrins bridge the gap between organic chemistry and biochemistry, making them pivotal in understanding life at a molecular level." The study and application of such intricate molecules represent an exciting frontier in both chemistry and medicine.

In essence, 3-[20-(carboxymethyl)-18-(dihydroxymethylene)-13-ethyl-3,7,12,17-tetramethyl-8-vinyl-3,21-dihydro-2H-porphyrin-2-yl]propanoic acid not only exemplifies the beauty of complex chemical structures but also highlights their potential in advancing scientific knowledge and therapeutic interventions.