Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

C₁₀H₁₆N₅O₁₃P₃

CAS number

56-65-5

IUPAC name

[2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-4-[3-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-4,5-diphosphonooxy-tetrahydropyran-2-yl]oxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl] dihydrogen phosphate

State

At room temperature, ATP exists as a solid. It is typically found in biochemical laboratories in the form of a dry powder or in aqueous solution where it is quite soluble.

Melting point (Celsius)

230.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

503.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

120.00

Boiling point (Kelvin)

393.15

General information

Molecular weight

507.18g/mol

Molar mass

507.1810g/mol

Density

1.5000g/cm³

Appearence

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is typically found as a colorless to white crystalline powder. Its appearance may vary when hydrated or in solution with water molecules attached.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of [2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-4-[3-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-4,5-diphosphonooxy-tetrahydropyran-2-yl]oxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl] dihydrogen phosphate

The solubility of the compound with the chemical formula C₁₀H₁₆N₅O₁₃P₃ can be understood through its distinct structural features and functional groups. This compound is characterized by several polar groups which typically enhance solubility in aqueous environments. Specifically, we can highlight the following aspects:

Presence of phosphate groups: The dihydrogen phosphate part of the molecule generally contributes to high solubility in water due to the ability to form hydrogen bonds.
Hydroxyl groups: The presence of multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups increases the overall polarity of the compound, thus promoting its solubility in polar solvents.
Amino group: The amino (-NH₂) functional group can also interact favorably with water, further enhancing solubility.

However, despite these favorable characteristics, the actual solubility may still depend on various factors such as:

pH of the solution: The ionization of phosphate groups can vary with pH, which affects solubility.
Temperature: Higher temperatures often increase solubility for many compounds; however, this can vary.
Presence of competing ions: Sodium or potassium ions in solution can alter the solubility behavior significantly.

In conclusion, while the structural aspects suggest good solubility, the compound's actual solubility performance in practice should be assessed experimentally under defined conditions.

Interesting facts

Exploring 2-(6-aminopurin-9-yl)-4-[3-hydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-4,5-diphosphonooxy-tetrahydropyran-2-yl]oxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-yl dihydrogen phosphate

This compound is a fascinating example of a complex organic molecule that plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes. As a dihydrogen phosphate derivative, it is intrinsically linked to the realm of nucleotides and nucleic acids, underscoring its importance in genetics and molecular biology.

Key Features

Biological Importance: This compound is structurally related to purines and nucleotides, which are vital for cellular functions such as energy transfer, signaling, and the synthesis of DNA & RNA.
Phosphate Group: The presence of the phosphate group in the structure is critical, as it participates in energy metabolism and is a key component of ATP (adenosine triphosphate).
Hydroxymethyl Groups: The inclusion of hydroxymethyl groups enhances the compound's reactivity and potential for forming hydrogen bonds, crucial for interactions at the molecular level.

Moreover, one cannot ignore the intricate architecture of the compound, with its combination of tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydropyran rings, resulting in both stability and flexibility that could influence its interactions in biological systems. As noted by many researchers, "the relationship between structure and function in biomolecules is fundamental to understanding life at the molecular level."

Furthermore, compounds like this are vital in the medicinal chemistry field, serving as potential pharmacophores in drug design. Their unique configurations could lead to the development of novel therapeutics targeting specific biological pathways.

In summary, the compound exemplifies the beauty and complexity of chemical structures that not only expand our understanding of chemistry but also enhance our exploration of life sciences.