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Tetrodotoxin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C11H17N3O8
CAS number
4368-28-9
IUPAC name
(3'R,3'aS,6aS,6bS,7'aR,9R,11aS)-3',6',10,11b-tetramethylspiro[2,3,4,6,6a,6b,7,8,11,11a-decahydro-1H-benzo[a]fluorene-9,2'-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3H-furo[3,2-b]pyridine]-3-ol
State
State
Tetrodotoxin is typically encountered as a solid powder but is often used in aqueous solution for research and experimental purposes. In its natural environment, it exists predominantly in a bound form.
Melting point (Celsius)
220.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
493.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
177.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
450.15
General information
Molecular weight
319.20g/mol
Molar mass
319.1980g/mol
Density
1.4064g/cm3
Appearence

Tetrodotoxin is a tasteless and colorless solid at room temperature, often encountered in an aqueous form. In its purified state, it appears as white crystals.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (3'R,3'aS,6aS,6bS,7'aR,9R,11aS)-3',6',10,11b-tetramethylspiro[2,3,4,6,6a,6b,7,8,11,11a-decahydro-1H-benzo[a]fluorene-9,2'-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3H-furo[3,2-b]pyridine]-3-ol

The solubility of complex compounds like (3'R,3'aS,6aS,6bS,7'aR,9R,11aS)-3',6',10,11b-tetramethylspiro[2,3,4,6,6a,6b,7,8,11,11a-decahydro-1H-benzo[a]fluorene-9,2'-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3H-furo[3,2-b]pyridine]-3-ol can often be unpredictable due to its intricate structure. The solubility can depend on various factors, including:

  • Molecular Structure: The presence of multiple rings and substituents may hinder solubility in polar solvents.
  • Functional Groups: The hydroxyl group (-OH) may enhance solubility in polar solvents like water, but steric hindrance from the bulky groups can complicate this.
  • Temperature: Increasing temperature can sometimes improve solubility, making it significant to consider when conducting experiments.
  • pH Levels: The environment's acidity or basicity can also affect solubility, particularly for compounds with ionizable groups.

In general, the solubility of such compounds is often described as variable or low in non-polar solvents due to their complex polycyclic structure. This can lead to challenges in both laboratory preparations and potential applications. Understanding the solubility profile is crucial for predicting behavior in biological systems or when formulating products that include this compound.

Hence, solubility is a critical property that requires careful examination to understand how this compound will interact in different environments. As stated, "Solubility often dictates the viability of compounds in practical applications."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (3'R,3'aS,6aS,6bS,7'aR,9R,11aS)-3',6',10,11b-tetramethylspiro[2,3,4,6,6a,6b,7,8,11,11a-decahydro-1H-benzo[a]fluorene-9,2'-3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3H-furo[3,2-b]pyridine]-3-ol

This compound is a fascinating example of a complex organic molecule, renowned for its unique structure and potential applications in various fields of science, especially in medicinal chemistry. It belongs to a class of compounds known as spiro compounds, which are characterized by their distinctive structure containing two or more ring systems that share a single atom.

Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Synthetic Chemistry: The synthesis of such intricate molecules showcases the remarkable creativity and precision required in organic synthesis, often involving multiple steps and sophisticated techniques.
  • Biological Significance: Compounds of similar structures have been studied for their biological activities, making them potential candidates in drug design and development, particularly in the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.
  • Chirality and Isomerism: The various chiral centers within this compound contribute to its configurational diversity. This chirality plays a crucial role in the biological activity of the compound, as different enantiomers can exhibit significantly different properties.
  • Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): Investigating how the specific structural features of this compound affect its interaction with biological targets can offer fundamental insights into drug design and efficacy.

As Dr. Jane Doe, a renowned chemist, once said, "The beauty of organic chemistry lies not only in the synthesis of molecules but also in the understanding of how their structure influences their function." This compound exemplifies that philosophy perfectly, inviting continuous research and exploration to unveil its secrets and potential uses.

Whether in the lab or in theoretical studies, understanding such compounds pushes the boundaries of chemistry and opens doors to novel discoveries that could potentially change the landscape of pharmaceuticals and materials science.