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Carnitine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C7H16NO3
CAS number
541-15-1
IUPAC name
trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, carnitine is in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
197.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
470.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
211.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
484.15
General information
Molecular weight
161.21g/mol
Molar mass
161.2090g/mol
Density
1.0700g/cm3
Appearence

Carnitine is typically found as a colorless or white crystalline solid.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium

Trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium is an interesting compound with distinct solubility properties which can be characterized by a few key observations:

  • Polar Nature: The presence of multiple trimethylammonio groups in its structure suggests a high degree of polarity, contributing positively to its solubility in polar solvents.
  • Solvent Compatibility: This compound is likely to be soluble in water and other polar solvents due to its ionic characteristics, making interactions with water molecules favorable.
  • Limited Solubility: While soluble in polar solvents, it may exhibit limited solubility in organic solvents, particularly those that are nonpolar, due to a lack of matching intermolecular forces.
  • Temperature Effect: Like many ionic compounds, solubility can be influenced by temperature, generally increasing with higher temperatures.

As a rule of thumb, compounds with cationic structures tend to favor solubility in environments where favorable interactions can occur, such as hydrogen bonding and ion-dipole interactions. The unique attributes of Trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium underline the importance of considering both temperature and solvent type in applications and experimental protocols.

Interesting facts

Exploring Trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium

Trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium is a fascinating quaternary ammonium compound that highlights the incredible versatility of nitrogen chemistry. This compound is part of a larger class of ionic liquids that are gaining popularity in various fields of science and engineering. Here are some intriguing aspects:

  • Unique Structure: The presence of both trimethyl and butyl groups gives this compound a unique amphiphilic character, which means it possesses both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. This can lead to interesting interactions with other molecules or surfaces.
  • Applications in Industry: As a surfactant, trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium can be utilized in various applications, including solvents, emulsifiers, and dispersants in chemical manufacturing processes. They help enhance product stability and performance.
  • Biological Relevance: Quaternary ammonium compounds are often studied for their antimicrobial properties, making them valuable in fields such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. They can be effective against a range of microbes, which is vitally significant in medical device sterilization.
  • Potential in Green Chemistry: The compound is gaining attention for its potential role in green chemistry initiatives, as these compounds may serve as solvents or reaction media that can reduce environmental impact compared to traditional solvents.
  • Research Focus: Ongoing research is exploring the interactions of trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium with biological membranes and its potential as a drug delivery vehicle, where its unique ionic nature could facilitate membrane penetration.

In summary, trimethyl-[4-(trimethylammonio)butyl]ammonium represents a confluence of chemistry and application, rendering it a compound with a bright future in both research and industrial domains. As scientists continue to unravel its mysteries, there is a growing anticipation for novel applications that could arise from its unique properties.

Synonyms
Tetramethonium
Butonium
SCHEMBL236981
8F42DQL93T
Tetramethylenebis[trimethylammonium]
Ammonium, tetramethylenebis[trimethyl-
N,N,N,N',N',N'-Hexamethyl-1,4-butanediammonium
1,4-Butanediaminium, N1,N1,N1,N4,N4,N4-hexamethyl-
21870-14-4