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Trolox

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Identification
Molecular formula
C20H30O4
CAS number
53188-07-1
IUPAC name
3-[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl]oxypropanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, Trolox is typically a solid. It is stable under normal conditions and commonly used in its crystalline form.

Melting point (Celsius)
152.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
425.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
343.70
Boiling point (Kelvin)
616.85
General information
Molecular weight
250.35g/mol
Molar mass
250.3510g/mol
Density
1.0629g/cm3
Appearence

Trolox is a white or off-white crystalline powder. It is practically odorless and generally appears as a solid at room temperature. This appearance can vary slightly depending on the exact conditions and purity.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl]oxypropanoic acid (C20H30O4)

The solubility characteristics of 3-[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl]oxypropanoic acid are noteworthy.

This compound is generally expected to exhibit limited solubility in water due to its bulky and hydrophobic structure, primarily influenced by:

  • Hydrophobic groups: The presence of long alkyl chains contributes to its overall hydrophobicity.
  • Polar functional groups: While it contains carboxylic acid functionality, the overwhelming hydrophobic characteristics often overshadow its potential to interact favorably with polar solvents.

In organic solvents, such as ethanol or methanol, the solubility can be significantly enhanced. This can be attributed to:

  • Interactions between the polar regions of the molecule and the solvent molecules.
  • The ability of organic solvents to dissolve larger compounds with extensive non-polar character.

In practical applications, it is crucial to consider temperature and concentration, as these factors can further influence the solubility behavior:

  • Increased temperature often enhances solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents.
  • Concentration levels must be monitored to prevent saturation and precipitation in solutions.

Overall, this compound illustrates the delicate balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions, impacting its solubility in different environments.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl]oxypropanoic acid

This fascinating compound is a member of the class of molecules known as chroman derivatives. These compounds are often investigated for their various biological activities and applications in multiple fields, including pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and materials science.

1. Structural Significance

The structural components of this compound include:

  • Chroman Ring: The presence of a chroman ring, a bicyclic structure that is related to flavonoids, suggests potential antioxidant properties.
  • Multiple Methyl Groups: The numerous methyl substitutions may enhance the hydrophobicity and bioavailability of the compound, making it more effective in biochemical environments.
  • Oxypropanoic Acid Group: This group indicates potential reactivity and interaction with biological molecules.

2. Potential Biological Applications

Due to its complex structure, this compound could serve various important roles:

  • Antioxidant Activity: Compounds with chroman structures are often evaluated for their free radical scavenging capabilities, which can protect cells from oxidative stress.
  • Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some studies indicate that similar compounds can modulate inflammatory pathways, making them candidates for therapeutic development.
  • Health Supplements: The compound's structure indicates potential utility in dietary supplements aimed at improving heart health or cognitive function.

3. Synthesis Challenges

Synthesizing such a complex organic molecule can pose several challenges:

  • Multi-step Synthesis: The formation of the chroman ring and subsequent modifications typically require intricate multi-step reactions.
  • Stability Concerns: Maintaining stability during synthesis, particularly with sensitive functional groups, can be an obstacle.
  • Purification: Achieving a high purity of the final product necessitates advanced techniques such as chromatography, which is essential for biological testing.

In summary, 3-[2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)chroman-6-yl]oxypropanoic acid stands out due to its complex structure and potential applications in health and medicine. Its study not only contributes to the understanding of chroman-related compounds, but it could also pave the way for new therapeutic agents that leverage its unique properties.