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Cholesterol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C27H46O
CAS number
57-88-5
IUPAC name
(3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol
State
State

Cholesterol is typically solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
148.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
421.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
360.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
633.15
General information
Molecular weight
386.65g/mol
Molar mass
386.6530g/mol
Density
1.0520g/cm3
Appearence

Cholesterol is a white, crystalline, odorless, and tasteless compound. It is a sterol and a type of lipid found within the cell membranes of all body tissues, and it is especially abundant in the human liver and brain.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol

The solubility of the compound (3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol can be influenced by a variety of factors, primarily its molecular structure and functional groups. Here are some key points regarding its solubility:

  • Hydrophobic Character: The extensive hydrocarbon framework can lead to a predominance of hydrophobic characteristics, impacting solubility in polar solvents.
  • Solvent Interaction: The compound may show enhanced solubility in non-polar solvents such as hexane or toluene, while experiencing challenges in polar solvents like water.
  • Functional Groups: The presence of the hydroxyl group (–OH) can impart some degree of hydrophilicity, yet the overwhelming size and structure suggest limited solubility in water.
  • Temperature Effects: Solubility may increase with temperature, a common trend for many organic compounds, enhancing molecular motion.

In conclusion, while the presence of a hydroxyl group may suggest potential modest solubility in certain solvents, the overall profile indicates that (3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol is likely to favor solubility in non-polar environments rather than polar ones.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol

This intricate compound, which belongs to the class of steroids, is of significant interest due to its potential biological activities and chemical complexity. Here are some fascinating insights that highlight its importance:

  • Steroid Structure: The compound possesses a complex steroid framework, which is characterized by multiple fused ring systems. This structural arrangement is crucial for many biological functions, including hormone activity.
  • Natural Occurrence: Compounds similar to this one can be found in a variety of natural products, particularly in plants and fungi, indicating that they may play pivotal roles in ecological interactions. This raises questions about their evolutionary significance.
  • Biological Activity: While specific studies on this compound may be limited, derivatives of such steroid frameworks are often investigated for their pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.
  • Chirality: The presence of chiral centers, particularly noted here with the (3S) configuration, suggests that different stereoisomers may exhibit distinct biological activities. This highlights the importance of stereochemistry in medicinal chemistry.
  • Potential Applications: Given its structural characteristics, this compound may be a candidate for synthetic modifications to enhance its biological efficacy, serving as a starting point for the development of new therapeutic agents.

In summary, the compound (3S)-10,13-dimethyl-17-(1,4,5-trimethylhex-2-enyl)-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol is not just a structural marvel but also a promising lead for future research in the field of medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis.