Skip to main content

Berberine

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C20H18NO4
CAS number
2086-83-1
IUPAC name
4-methoxy-6-(4-methoxy-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-6-ium-6-yl)-7,8-dihydro-5H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-ol
State
State

At room temperature, Berberine is typically found in a solid crystalline form. It is usually prepared and stored as a powder, due to its stability in this state.

Melting point (Celsius)
145.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
418.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
336.36g/mol
Molar mass
336.3630g/mol
Density
1.3600g/cm3
Appearence

Berberine is a bright yellow crystalline powder. It is often found in roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of various plants. The compound typically displays a vibrant yellow color, similar to turmeric, and is sometimes used as a dye in traditional practices.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 4-methoxy-6-(4-methoxy-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-6-ium-6-yl)-7,8-dihydro-5H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-ol

The solubility of complex organic compounds like 4-methoxy-6-(4-methoxy-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-6-ium-6-yl)-7,8-dihydro-5H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-ol can often present unique challenges. This particular compound is characterized by a multi-ring structure and the presence of multiple methoxy and dioxole moieties, which can influence its solubility considerably.

Here are key points regarding its solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of functional groups such as methoxy (-OCH3) contributes to its polarity, potentially enhancing solubility in polar solvents.
  • Solvent Dependency: It's likely soluble in organic solvents like methanol or ethanol, while showing limited solubility in non-polar solvents such as hexane.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The dihydro and dioxole groups might engage in hydrogen bonding, which can affect solubility in water; however, overall hydrophilicity could be low.
  • Crystallization: The complex structure may lead to a tendency for crystallization, impacting its practical solubility during synthesis.

In summary, understanding the solubility profile of this compound requires careful consideration of its molecular structure, the nature of its functional groups, and the specific solvents used. As always, empirical testing is crucial when determining solubility in various conditions.

Interesting facts

Exploring 4-methoxy-6-(4-methoxy-7,8-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-6-ium-6-yl)-7,8-dihydro-5H-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5-g]isoquinolin-5-ol

This complex compound belongs to a fascinating class of organic molecules that stand out due to their intricate structures and potential biological activities. Here are some intriguing aspects of this particular compound:

  • Natural Product Inspiration: Many compounds in this class are derived from natural sources, often exhibiting interesting pharmaceutical properties that scientists are keen to explore.
  • Bioactivity: Compounds like this one may possess a variety of bioactive properties, making them candidates for further studies in medicinal chemistry.
  • Chemical Versatility: The overlapping presence of dioxolo and isoquinoline structures suggests that this compound could serve as a platform for developing new derivatives with tailored chemical or biological functions.
  • Synthetic Routes: The challenge of synthesizing such a complex molecule encourages creative chemistry, illustrating the importance of innovative synthetic methodologies in modern organic chemistry.
  • Potential Applications: With its unique structure, this compound may be explored for uses in drug development, particularly in areas targeting neurological or oncological conditions.

As a chemistry student or researcher, studying such compounds provides a unique opportunity to understand the interplay between structure and function. Emphasizing the beauty of molecular complexity, these compounds challenge scientists to unravel their mysteries - "In chemistry, as in life, the beauty lies beneath the surface." This is a reminder that within each intricate structure lies the potential for significant scientific discovery.