Skip to main content

Artemisinin

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C15H22O5
CAS number
63968-64-9
IUPAC name
(4R,8S,19S)-8-acetyl-6,6,9,13,19-pentamethyl-5,7-dioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-17-en-16-one
State
State
At room temperature, artemisinin is in a solid state, typically as crystalline powder.
Melting point (Celsius)
156.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
429.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
280.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
553.15
General information
Molecular weight
282.33g/mol
Molar mass
282.3320g/mol
Density
1.2290g/cm3
Appearence
Artemisinin is a solid substance that typically appears as a crystalline powder. It is often colorless or white in appearance. The compound is known for its intricate structure which contains several ring systems, contributing to its complex crystalline form.
Comment on solubility

Solubility of (4R,8S,19S)-8-acetyl-6,6,9,13,19-pentamethyl-5,7-dioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-17-en-16-one

The solubility of a compound can greatly influence its practical applications and behavior in various environments. For (4R,8S,19S)-8-acetyl-6,6,9,13,19-pentamethyl-5,7-dioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-17-en-16-one, the solubility can be characterized based on several factors:

  • Molecular Structure: The presence of multiple methyl groups and oxygens may introduce steric hindrances and affect how the compound interacts with solvents.
  • Polarity: The balance between hydrophobic (non-polar) and hydrophilic (polar) regions in the compound determines its solubility in water versus organic solvents.
  • Temperature: Solubility often increases with temperature. Thus, examining how temperature variations affect this compound’s solubility may reveal important insights.

Generally, such complex molecules may exhibit limited solubility in water due to their bulky structure and hydrophobic character. They could, however, show better solubility in organic solvents such as:

  • Acetone
  • Chloroform
  • Ethanol

In the context of research and application, the statement "like dissolves like" is crucial; hence, understanding the solubility profile of this compound is essential for the development of formulations or their integration into various chemical processes.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About (4R,8S,19S)-8-acetyl-6,6,9,13,19-pentamethyl-5,7-dioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-17-en-16-one

This complex organic compound belongs to the category of terpenoids and displays an intricate bicyclic and polycyclic structure. Its name alone hints at the richness of its molecular architecture, indicating multiple chiral centers and various functional groups. Here are some intriguing points to consider:

  • Synthetic Applications: Due to its unique structure, this compound can potentially be synthesized for use in pharmaceuticals or natural product synthesis. Its structural attributes allow for interesting interactions with biological systems.
  • Chirality: The presence of multiple stereocenters means that this compound can exist in different enantiomeric forms, which is a critical factor in drug development as chirality can affect the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals.
  • Environmental Impact: As a member of the terpenoids family, compounds like this one are often found in essential oils and play vital roles in plant metabolism and ecology. They can also contribute to the scent of flowers and the flavor of various fruits.
  • Research Significance: The study of such compounds helps scientists understand complex biosynthetic pathways in nature, potentially leading to the discovery of new therapeutic agents.

In the words of renowned chemist Linus Pauling, "The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." This compound exemplifies how a single molecule can inspire multitude of research avenues spanning ecology, pharmacology, and organic chemistry.

Overall, (4R,8S,19S)-8-acetyl-6,6,9,13,19-pentamethyl-5,7-dioxapentacyclo[10.8.0.02,9.04,8.013,18]icos-17-en-16-one encapsulates the beauty of organic chemistry through its structural complexity and potential applications in various scientific fields.