Skip to main content

Nitrofurantoin

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C8H6N2O5
CAS number
67-20-9
IUPAC name
methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate
State
State

At room temperature, nitrofurantoin is a solid. It is commonly used in the form of capsules or tablets for medicinal purposes.

Melting point (Celsius)
270.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
543.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
477.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
750.15
General information
Molecular weight
226.15g/mol
Molar mass
226.1570g/mol
Density
1.4337g/cm3
Appearence

Nitrofurantoin appears as a yellow crystalline powder. It is slightly soluble in water and ethanol. Its crystalline form gives it a distinct powdery appearance, which is typical for many organic compounds used in pharmaceutical applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate

Methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate, a compound with a complex structure, exhibits intriguing solubility characteristics that are influenced by its functional groups and structural configuration. Understanding its solubility is essential for various applications, particularly in organic synthesis and pharmaceuticals.


Factors Affecting Solubility:

  • Polarity: The presence of the nitro group (–NO2) enhances the polar nature of this compound, potentially allowing it to dissolve in polar solvents like water, albeit to a limited extent.
  • Hydrophobic Interactions: The furan ring adds a hydrophobic character which can reduce solubility in highly polar solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: Methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate is more likely to dissolve in organic solvents such as ethanol, methanol, or acetone than in water.

To summarize, the solubility of methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate can be characterized as:

  • Moderately soluble in polar organic solvents
  • Poorly soluble in water due to competing hydrophobic interactions

In conclusion, while this compound may show some degree of solubility in various solvents, the interplay between its polar and non-polar functional groups makes it a unique substance that requires careful selection of solvents for effective use.

Interesting facts

Methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate: A Unique Compound

Methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate is an intriguing compound belonging to the class of esters. This compound is notable due to its functional groups and the unique properties that arise from its chemical structure. Here are some interesting facts about it:

  • Functional Versatility: The presence of a nitro group and a furan ring in its structure allows this compound to behave as a versatile building block in synthetic organic chemistry.
  • Biological Activity: Compounds containing furan rings are often investigated for their biological activities, including potential anticancer properties, making methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate a candidate for further studies.
  • Synthetic Applications: This compound could be utilized in the synthesis of various other complex molecules, showing promise in fields like pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and material sciences.
  • Study of Reaction Mechanisms: The presence of the nitro group can significantly influence the reactivity and electronic properties of the molecule, making it a subject of interest in understanding reaction mechanisms in organic synthesis.

As chemists explore the potential of compounds like methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate, they often quote the famous chemist Linus Pauling: "The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." This reflects the continuous pursuit in the world of chemistry to innovate and discover new applications for existing compounds.

In conclusion, methyl 3-(5-nitro-2-furyl)prop-2-enoate serves as a reminder that even less common compounds hold the potential for groundbreaking developments in chemical research.