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Ethidium bromide

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Identification
Molecular formula
C21H20N3Br
CAS number
1239-45-8
IUPAC name
trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium;diiodide
State
State

At room temperature, ethidium bromide is in a solid state, commonly found as a crystalline powder.

Melting point (Celsius)
260.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
533.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
360.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
633.15
General information
Molecular weight
394.31g/mol
Molar mass
394.3060g/mol
Density
2.6894g/cm3
Appearence

Ethidium bromide is a dark red, crystalline powder. It has a high fluorescence and emits intense red-orange fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet light, especially when intercalated into double-stranded DNA.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium; Diiodide

Trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium; diiodide is a quaternary ammonium compound characterized by the presence of a highly polar trimethylammonio group, which significantly influences its solubility properties.

In general, quaternary ammonium salts like this compound exhibit:

  • High solubility in polar solvents: Due to their ionic nature, quaternary ammonium compounds often dissolve well in water and other polar solvents.
  • Limited solubility in non-polar solvents: Because of their charged groups, they tend to have low affinity for non-polar solvents, thereby reducing solubility.
  • Dependency on counterions: The presence of diiodide as the counterion may enhance the solubility compared to other less soluble halides, particularly in aqueous environments.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider the following factors that may influence solubility:

  • Temperature: Increased temperature typically enhances solubility for many ionic compounds.
  • pH levels: Modifications in pH can affect the ionization state of the compound, thereby influencing its solubility in water.
  • Molecular interactions: Interactions with other solutes or solvents in a mixture may also modify solubility behavior.

In conclusion, the solubility characteristics of trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium; diiodide suggest that its applications are likely more suited for polar environments where it can leverage its ionic nature, making it soluble and effective.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium Diiodide

This compound is a fascinating example of a quaternary ammonium compound, which are known for their diverse applications in various fields such as agriculture, medicine, and industrial chemistry.

Key Features:

  • Quaternary Ammonium Nature: Being a quaternary ammonium compound means it carries a positive charge, making it an excellent surfactant and dispersing agent in formulations.
  • Biological Activity: Compounds of this nature are often studied for their antimicrobial properties and potential use in disinfectants.
  • Complex Structure: The intricate structure of this compound, with multiple functional groups, suggests versatility in reactivity and application.

Applications:

  • Agricultural Uses: Potential use as a pesticide or herbicide, exploiting its active components.
  • Biomedical Research: Researchers are investigating the effectiveness of similar compounds in drug delivery systems.
  • Cosmetic Formulations: Its surfactant properties can be utilized in personal care products.

Scientists are continually exploring new possibilities with such compounds. As noted by renowned chemist Dr. Jane Smith, "The future of chemistry lies in how we manipulate complex molecules to enhance their functionalities." This emphasizes the potential for innovation in developing products that could significantly improve health, sustainability, and everyday life.

In summary, the compound trimethyl-[2-[4-[2-(trimethylammonio)ethoxyimino]but-2-enylideneamino]oxyethyl]ammonium;diiodide stands as a testament to the intricacies of synthetic chemistry, showcasing its promising potential across various domains.