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Erythromycin

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Identification
Molecular formula
C37H67NO13
CAS number
114-07-8
IUPAC name
[3-[5-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl] 10-[3-acetamido-6-[[4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3-[6-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-(6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl)oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylocta-2,7-dienoyl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylate
State
State
At room temperature, erythromycin is typically in the solid state, presented as a crystalline powder, which can be formulated into various dosage forms for therapeutic use.
Melting point (Celsius)
135.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
408.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
186.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
459.15
General information
Molecular weight
733.94g/mol
Molar mass
733.9370g/mol
Density
1.1800g/cm3
Appearence
Erythromycin, when in its pure form, appears as a white or slightly yellow crystalline powder. It is often used in the form of tablets, capsules, topical gels, ophthalmic ointments, or as a reconstituted liquid suspension for oral use. Its crystalline appearance can also show distinctions in qualities affected by the polymorphic forms of the compound.
Comment on solubility

Solubility Characteristics of the Compound

The solubility of the given compound, with the complex name 3-[5-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl] 10-[3-acetamido-6-[[4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3-[6-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-(6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl)oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylocta-2,7-dienoyl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylate (C37H67NO13) is influenced by several factors:

  • Polarity: This compound has multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups, which generally enhance solubility in polar solvents, particularly water.
  • Hydroxymethyl Groups: The presence of hydroxymethyl groups may improve interaction with water molecules, potentially increasing solubility.
  • Complex Structure: Due to its complex polycyclic structure, the solubility may vary based on steric hindrance and intermolecular interactions.

In conclusion, while the abundant hydroxyl functionalities suggest improved solubility in polar solvents, the overall solubility may still be limited by the large hydrophobic regions of the molecule. Therefore, one might speculate that the compound is more soluble in organic solvents compared to strictly non-polar environments. As always, experimental solubility tests are recommended for precise quantification.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about [3-[5-[3,4-Dihydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]oxy-3-hydroxy-6-methyl-4-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl] 10-[3-acetamido-6-[[4,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl)oxyoxan-2-yl]oxymethyl]-4,5-dihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3-[6-[3,4-dihydroxy-5-(6-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylocta-2,7-dienoyl)oxy-6-methyloxan-2-yl]oxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-methylocta-2,7-dienoyl]oxy-5-hydroxy-2,2,6a,6b,9,9,12a-heptamethyl-1,3,4,5,6,6a,7,8,8a,10,11,12,13,14b-tetradecahydropicene-4a-carboxylate

This intricate compound is a prime example of the fascinating world of glycosides and their derivatives. Its complex structure boasts multiple hydroxyl and acetamido functional groups, which contribute to its potential biological activities. Here are some notable aspects:

  • Potential Therapeutic Applications: Compounds with such structural complexity may exhibit significant pharmacological properties. Researchers are continually exploring glycosides for their roles in medicine, particularly in anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory therapies.
  • Natural Sources: Many similar compounds are derived from plants and are known to play roles in plant defense mechanisms against pests and diseases. They may also have health benefits when consumed.
  • Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR): The relationships between various components, such as the position of hydroxyl groups and the addition of acetamido groups, lends insight into how slight changes can modulate biological activity.
  • Complexity and Synthesis: The synthesis of compounds with such elaborate structures is challenging and often involves numerous synthetic routes, highlighting the skill and innovation within organic chemistry.

As we delve deeper into the study of such compounds, it is exciting to consider the undiscovered potential they hold. The quote "Chemistry is the study of matter, but I prefer to see it as the study of change" resonates profoundly as we explore these complex molecular structures and their functionalities.

Understanding these compounds not only enhances our grasp of chemical principles but also illuminates pathways to groundbreaking therapeutic advancements.