Skip to main content

Canthaxanthin

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C40H52O2
CAS number
514-78-3
IUPAC name
3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-3-[1-methyl-5-(5-methyl-6-oxo-pyran-2-yl)hexa-2,4-dienylidene]-4,5,5a,8,9,9b-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene-2,7-dione
State
State

At room temperature, Canthaxanthin is typically found in a solid state. It is often in the form of a crystalline powder when used in various applications.

Melting point (Celsius)
210.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
483.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
470.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
743.15
General information
Molecular weight
564.87g/mol
Molar mass
564.8720g/mol
Density
1.3600g/cm3
Appearence

Canthaxanthin is a red-orange pigment that is commonly used as a color additive in food and cosmetics. In its pure form, it can appear as a crystalline powder with an intense red color. It is classified as a carotenoid pigment.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-3-[1-methyl-5-(5-methyl-6-oxo-pyran-2-yl)hexa-2,4-dienylidene]-4,5,5a,8,9,9b-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene-2,7-dione (C40H52O2)

The solubility of this complex organic compound, with a molecular formula of C40H52O2, can be quite intricate to determine. Several factors influence its solubility, including:

  • Polarity: This compound contains several nonpolar and polar components. The presence of the aromatic structures and dicarbonyl functionalities can impact its solubility in various solvents.
  • Solvent Type: Generally, organic compounds with high molecular weights tend to be soluble in nonpolar solvents (like hexane or toluene). However, if polar groups are strongly pronounced, they may also have some affinity for polar solvents.
  • Temperature: Solubility can be temperature-dependent. Increasing the temperature usually enhances solubility for many organic compounds.

It is essential to note that "like dissolves like"; thus, this compound might demonstrate:

  • Poor solubility in water due to its large hydrophobic character.
  • Enhanced solubility in organic solvents or mixtures that can interact with its functional groups.

In conclusion, while the exact solubility of C40H52O2 may not be readily available in literature, understanding the factors influencing solubility can aid in predicting its behavior in various environments. It's always recommended to conduct experimental solubility tests to ascertain its specific solubility characteristics in different solvent systems.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-3-[1-methyl-5-(5-methyl-6-oxo-pyran-2-yl)hexa-2,4-dienylidene]-4,5,5a,8,9,9b-hexahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalene-2,7-dione

This compound, characterized by its complex structure and significant biological activity, represents a unique class of naturally occurring compounds. Here are some fascinating insights:

  • Natural Origin: This compound is of interest in the field of natural products chemistry as it is derived from natural sources, often leading to investigations into its role in plant defense mechanisms and potential therapeutic properties.
  • Chemical Diversity: The presence of multiple functional groups within the molecule contributes to its reactivity, making it a subject of synthetic and medicinal chemistry.
  • Potential Applications: Due to its intricate structure, this compound may exhibit interesting pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Ongoing research is anticipated to explore these areas.
  • Structural Complexity: The intricate ring systems and stereochemistry highlight the challenges chemists face when synthesizing such compounds. Understanding these complexities often leads to advances in synthetic methodologies.
  • Digging Deeper: “The true beauty of chemistry lies not just in finding compounds, but in understanding their interactions and roles in nature,” a mantra for many chemists studying molecules like this one.

In summary, the study of this compound is more than just an exploration of its chemical properties; it embodies the intersection of nature, science, and medical potential, prompting exciting scientific inquiries.

Synonyms
Stellettin A