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Sodium tartrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
Na2C4H4O6
CAS number
868-18-8
IUPAC name
sodium;2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate
State
State

At room temperature, sodium tartrate is a solid. It is commonly encountered in laboratories as dihydrate crystals.

Melting point (Celsius)
150.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
423.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
194.05g/mol
Molar mass
194.0510g/mol
Density
1.7860g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium tartrate appears as a white crystalline powder. It is often seen in the form of a dihydrate with a slight hygroscopic nature, meaning it can absorb moisture from its surroundings. The crystals are typically odorless.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium 2,3,4-Trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate

Sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate, commonly referred to as a sodium salt of an organic acid, presents some interesting solubility characteristics. Here are key points regarding its solubility:

  • Sodium Salts: Salts of sodium are typically soluble in water due to their ionic nature.
  • Polyhydroxy Structure: This compound contains multiple hydroxyl groups, which can also contribute to its solubility by forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • pH Dependency: The solubility may vary depending on the pH of the solution, as acidic or basic environments can affect the salt's dissociation.

In contexts where this compound is used, such as in biological or pharmaceutical applications, its solubility is a critical factor that determines its bioavailability and effectiveness. As a general observation, compounds that balance hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics often exhibit enhanced solubility in aqueous solutions.

Overall, understanding the solubility of sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate is essential for its practical applications, ensuring that it behaves predictably in various environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About Sodium 2,3,4-Trihydroxy-4-Oxo-Butanoate

Sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate, often referred to in scientific literature for its role in various chemical processes, has a distinct profile that makes it fascinating from both a chemical and a practical perspective.

Chemical Properties and Applications

  • Biological Relevance: This compound is known for its involvement in metabolic pathways, especially in the context of energetic processes within living organisms.
  • pH Regulation: As a sodium salt, it can serve as a buffer, helping to maintain optimal pH levels in various biochemical experiments and applications.
  • Chelation Ability: It displays chelating properties, allowing it to bind essential metal ions, which can be critical for various enzymatic reactions.

Interesting Trivia

  • It is often derived from natural sources, providing a point of interest in discussions about sustainable chemistry.
  • In laboratory settings, it frequently serves as a model compound for studying similar structures, due to its ability to mimic more complex biological molecules.
  • Scientists have investigated its use in drug formulation, particularly as a potential carrier for active pharmaceutical ingredients.

As noted by researchers, “Understanding such compounds not only sheds light on biochemical pathways but also opens doors to innovations in drug development and environmental chemistry.” This emphasizes the dual role of sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate as both a subject of study and a valuable tool in the scientific toolkit.

Conclusion

In summary, sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-4-oxo-butanoate is more than just a chemical compound; it represents a bridge between fundamental research and practical application. Its relevance stretches across multiple disciplines, emphasizing the interconnected nature of chemistry with biology and medicine.