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Carnitine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H15NO3
CAS number
541-15-1
IUPAC name
(5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium
State
State

Solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
197.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
470.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
291.50
Boiling point (Kelvin)
564.65
General information
Molecular weight
161.20g/mol
Molar mass
161.1990g/mol
Density
1.1800g/cm3
Appearence

Carnitine is typically found as a white crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and is highly soluble in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium

The solubility of (5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium can be quite intriguing due to its unique structure and functional groups. This compound features a quaternary ammonium group, which typically enhances water solubility compared to its non-quaternized counterparts. Here are some factors influencing its solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of the amino group (-NH2) and the quaternary ammonium site contributes to a net polarity, making it more soluble in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrogen bonding: The amino group can participate in hydrogen bonding with water molecules, further increasing its solubility.
  • Chain length: The pentyl chain is relatively moderate in length, which typically favors solubility in aqueous environments as longer hydrophobic chains can reduce it.

In summary, it is anticipated that (5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium is likely to be highly soluble in water, exhibiting characteristics typical of quaternary ammonium compounds. For further details about its solubility behavior, analyzing its interactions in varied solvent systems could provide deeper insights.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About (5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium

(5-amino-5-oxo-pentyl)-trimethyl-ammonium, often abbreviated as TMAO, is a fascinating compound that has garnered attention in various fields of research. Here are some intriguing insights about this compound:

  • Biochemical Role: TMAO serves as a vital osmolyte, which means it helps to maintain cellular integrity under stress conditions such as high salinity or temperature changes.
  • Potential Health Implications: Recent studies have indicated a link between TMAO levels and cardiovascular health. It promotes a deeper understanding of the gut microbiome’s impact on metabolism and heart disease.
  • Structural Features: The trimethylammonium group in TMAO contributes to its solubility in water, thus facilitating various biochemical interactions.
  • Applications in Research: TMAO is used in laboratory settings to study protein folding and stability, playing a crucial role in understanding the structural biology of proteins.
  • Role in Marine Life: TMAO is naturally occurring in marine organisms, especially in deep-sea fish, where it helps to counteract the effects of high pressure.

As researchers continue to explore the multifaceted roles of TMAO, it becomes increasingly clear how vital it is to both biological systems and potential therapeutic avenues. The intersection of environmental conditions and TMAO functions opens up new pathways for advancing our understanding of life at the molecular level.

Synonyms
SCHEMBL7648496