Interesting facts
Interesting Facts about Docos-13-enoic Acid
Docos-13-enoic acid, a fascinating compound, is part of a larger family of fatty acids known for their diverse role in biological systems. Notably, this unsaturated fatty acid features a double bond located at the thirteenth carbon atom of its long carbon chain, offering unique properties and functionalities.
Key Characteristics
- Biological Significance: Docos-13-enoic acid is involved in numerous biological processes, acting as a precursor for more complex molecules such as phospholipids and sphingolipids that are crucial for cellular membranes.
- Dietary Sources: It can be found in certain lipid-rich foods such as fish oils, plant oils, and some nuts, indicating its potential health benefits.
- Industrial Uses: Beyond its biological importance, it is also explored for applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals due to its skin-health benefits and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Fun Facts
- The prefix "docos-" refers to the molecule containing twenty-two carbon atoms, highlighting its long-chain nature.
- It is a member of the omega-3 and omega-6 families of fatty acids, linking it to discussions on nutrition and heart health.
- Docos-13-enoic acid exemplifies the complexity of fatty acid structures, with slight variations in the position of double bonds leading to significant differences in function and health effects.
In summary, docos-13-enoic acid serves as a prime example of how an individual fatty acid can embody rich biological, nutritional, and industrial significance, making it a compound of interest in both scientific research and practical applications. Understanding these acids not only enhances our knowledge of chemistry but also contributes to advancements in health and technology.
Synonyms
docos-13-enoic acid
13-Docosenoic acid
1072-39-5
Erucic acid 98%
DTXSID30859200
AKOS028108914
CH3(CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)11COOH
NCI60_029063
XE181289
Solubility of Docos-13-enoic Acid
Docos-13-enoic acid, also known as docosenoic acid or c-docosenoic acid, is a long-chain unsaturated fatty acid. The solubility of this compound is influenced by various factors:
However, as the chain length increases, solubility in water decreases significantly, a characteristic typical of fatty acids. Specifically, docos-13-enoic acid shows little to no solubility in aqueous solutions at room temperature. Its solubility properties are vital for its application in biological systems, where it plays a role in membrane structure and function.
In summary, while docos-13-enoic acid demonstrates good solubility in nonpolar and slightly polar organic solvents, its limited solubility in water underscores the challenges and considerations required when working with this compound in various environments.