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Sodium butyrate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C4H7NaO2
CAS number
156-54-7
IUPAC name
sodium;butanoate
State
State

Sodium butyrate is typically found as a solid at room temperature.

Melting point (Celsius)
250.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
523.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
250.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
523.15
General information
Molecular weight
110.09g/mol
Molar mass
110.0910g/mol
Density
1.1080g/cm3
Appearence

Sodium butyrate appears as a white crystalline solid. It has a somewhat rancid, buttery odor due to its similar structure to butyric acid, which is responsible for the smell of rancid butter.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Sodium Butanoate

Sodium butanoate, with the chemical formula NaC4H7O2, is an interesting compound due to its solubility characteristics. Its solubility in water can be described as follows:

  • Highly Soluble: Sodium butanoate is known to be highly soluble in water. This is primarily due to the ionic nature of the sodium ion combined with the polar carboxylate group in the butanoate.
  • Temperature Dependence: Like many salts, its solubility may vary with temperature. Generally, an increase in temperature leads to increased solubility.
  • pH Influence: The solubility may also be influenced by the pH of the solution, as the carboxylate anion can interact with hydrogen ions.
  • Comparison with Other Solvents: While sodium butanoate exhibits excellent solubility in water, its solubility in organic solvents is considerably lower, emphasizing its hydrophilic nature.

In summary, sodium butanoate is a water-soluble compound, making it versatile in various applications, particularly in food science and biochemical studies. As stated, “Water, the ultimate solvent, reveals the dynamic nature of solubility in our chemical world.”

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Sodium Butanoate

Sodium butanoate, a remarkable compound in the realm of organic chemistry, plays a vital role in various chemical and biological processes. Here are some engaging insights into this intriguing compound:

  • Biological Significance: Sodium butanoate is an important short-chain fatty acid which the human body uses as an energy source, particularly by the cells lining the colon.
  • Role in Metabolism: It acts as an important metabolite in energy metabolism within the body, helping to regulate processes like gluconeogenesis, a vital pathway in glucose production.
  • Potential Therapeutic Uses: Emerging research suggests that sodium butanoate may have potential therapeutic effects in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and is being studied for its potential impact on cancer treatment.
  • Food Industry Application: Sodium butanoate is often utilized as a food preservative, effective in preventing spoilage by inhibiting mold and bacteria.
  • Biochemical Research: Scientists utilize sodium butanoate in various biochemical assays, such as studying gene expression or cellular metabolism, due to its ability to influence histone deacetylase activity.

As an organic salt, sodium butanoate showcases the fascinating intersection of chemistry and biology, highlighting not only its practical applications but also its deeper significance in metabolic pathways. The exploration of its properties continues to unveil new potential, making it a compound of great interest not just in laboratories, but also in clinical and nutritional contexts.