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Phenylalanine hydrochloride

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H12ClNO2
CAS number
7048-04-6
IUPAC name
(3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium;chloride
State
State

In its standard state, phenylalanine hydrochloride is a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
263.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
536.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
195.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
468.15
General information
Molecular weight
183.64g/mol
Molar mass
185.6440g/mol
Density
1.3000g/cm3
Appearence

Phenylalanine hydrochloride appears as a white crystalline powder. It is generally recognized by its fine, granular crystalline form or as a crystalline white powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium chloride

The solubility of (3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium chloride is influenced by both its molecular structure and the presence of hydrophilic functional groups. This compound exhibits the following characteristics:

  • Hydrophilicity: The presence of the carboxy group (-COOH) in the structure facilitates hydrogen bonding with water molecules, enhancing its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Ionic Nature: As an ammonium salt, the chloride component contributes to its ionic nature, which typically increases solubility in aqueous solutions.
  • Temperature Effects: Like many salts, solubility may increase with temperature, making it more soluble in warmer solvents.

In general, compounds that contain both ionic and polar functional groups tend to dissolve well in water, leading to a favorable solubility profile. However, factors such as pH and ionic strength of the solution can also play a significant role in solubility behavior.

As Friedrich E. L. Mosteller once noted, "The interaction between solute and solvent is a dance of electrons that shapes solubility.” Thus, understanding how specific functional groups interact with solvents helps predict the behavior of (3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium chloride in various environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium Chloride

(3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium chloride is a fascinating compound that belongs to the category of ammonium salts. This compound exhibits intriguing properties and potential applications:

  • Biological Significance: The presence of the carboxylic acid functional group (-COOH) makes this compound particularly interesting in biochemical pathways. It may play a role in metabolism and cellular signaling.
  • Pharmaceutical Applications: Ammonium chloride derivatives are often explored in medicinal chemistry due to their ability to interact with biological systems. They can function as *buffers* or *salts* to enhance the solubility of certain drugs.
  • Dual Functionality: The combination of the phenyl group and the ammonium ion suggests that this compound could have unique intermolecular interactions, making it a candidate for studies involving *molecular recognition* and *cation-π interactions*.
  • Potential Uses in Synthesis: This compound could serve as a precursor in organic synthesis, ultimately contributing to the creation of more complex molecules or materials in research and industry.

As a chemist or chemistry student, exploring (3-carboxy-2-phenyl-propyl)ammonium chloride opens avenues for understanding structure-activity relationships in drug design, underscores the significance of functional group interactions, and demonstrates how simple modifications can lead to compounds with vastly different properties.

In conclusion, the study of this compound not only sheds light on fundamental chemical principles but also highlights its potential in various scientific domains.

Synonyms
4-Amino-3-phenylbutanoic acid hydrochloride, (+/-)-
AKOS005067821