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Xanthine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H4N4O2
CAS number
69-89-6
IUPAC name
2-amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one
State
State

Xanthine is predominantly found as a solid at room temperature, taking the form of a crystalline powder. It is a stable compound under standard conditions and can be handled safely in laboratory environments with standard precautions.

Melting point (Celsius)
360.15
Melting point (Kelvin)
633.30
Boiling point (Celsius)
298.15
Boiling point (Kelvin)
571.30
General information
Molecular weight
152.11g/mol
Molar mass
152.1110g/mol
Density
2.0600g/cm3
Appearence

Xanthine is generally observed as a white powder or microcrystalline structure, appearing in the form of small crystals. It lacks color and is typically seen in purified form in laboratories for various research purposes.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one (C5H4N4O2)

2-amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one is a compound that exhibits **soluble tendencies** in various solvents. Its solubility profile can be summarized as follows:

  • Water: This compound is generally considered to be soluble in water due to its polar functional groups, which facilitate hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
  • Organic Solvents: The solubility also extends to certain organic solvents, making it versatile in a laboratory setting.

In practice, one might find that:

  1. The degree of solubility may be influenced by factors such as **temperature**, with higher temperatures generally increasing solubility.
  2. The presence of salts or other solutes in a solution may affect the **overall solubility** of 2-amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one by competing for solvent activity.

Understanding the solubility characteristics of this compound is critical for its application in various biochemical settings, where aqueous solubility can be essential for effective interactions in biological systems. As a rule of thumb, when working with this compound, it's beneficial to consider **environmental conditions** and the medium used for dissolution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one

2-Amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one, commonly known as adenine, is one of the fundamental components of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Here are some fascinating aspects of this chemical compound:

  • Structural Importance: Adenine is a purine base, which plays a crucial role in the structure of nucleotides. It pairs with thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA, forming the essential base pairs that underpin genetic information.
  • Energy Currency: The compound is also a part of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is known as the energy currency of the cell. ATP transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism.
  • Signal Molecule: Adenine is involved in cellular signaling. It acts as a precursor to important coenzymes like NAD+ (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) that are vital for redox reactions in metabolism.
  • Purine Derivatives: Being a purine, adenine can be further modified into various derivatives, leading to the formation of crucial biological molecules such as cAMP (cyclic adenosine monophosphate), which is important in signal transduction pathways.
  • Discovery: The discovery of adenine dates back to the late 19th century, making it one of the earliest purines identified in nucleic acids, paving the way for further research into genetics and molecular biology.

In summary, 2-amino-3,7-dihydropurin-6-one is not just a chemical compound; it is a pivotal player in biological systems. Its significance reaches from the molecular mechanisms of life to the very essence of heredity and cellular energy, embodying the intricate dance of biochemistry that sustains living organisms.