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Betaine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H11NO2
CAS number
107-43-7
IUPAC name
(3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium
State
State

At room temperature, betaine is typically in a solid state, appearing as a hygroscopic powder with a slight sweet taste.

Melting point (Celsius)
306.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
579.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
273.15
General information
Molecular weight
117.15g/mol
Molar mass
117.1460g/mol
Density
1.0000g/cm3
Appearence

Betaine is typically found as a white crystalline powder. It is highly soluble in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium

The compound (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium, with the formula C5H11NO2, exhibits notable solubility characteristics that are essential for its application in various fields. Understanding the solubility of this quaternary ammonium compound is vital for its use in solutions, particularly in biological and industrial contexts.

Key Features of Solubility:

  • Polar Nature: Due to the presence of both carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups, the compound is relatively polar, enhancing its ability to interact with water molecules.
  • Hydrophilicity: The trimethylammonium group adds positive charge, promoting strong ionic interactions with water, which supports its dissolution in aqueous environments.
  • Concentration Effects: While soluble in water, the solubility may vary with concentration. At higher concentrations, the compound may exhibit limited solubility due to the saturation of the solution.
  • Temperature Influence: Increased temperature generally enhances solubility for ionic and polar compounds, suggesting that warming the solution can help in achieving higher solubility rates.

In summary, due to its unique functional groups and overall molecular structure, (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium is expected to be effectively soluble in water, making it a compound of interest in areas where solubility is a critical factor.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium

(3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium is an intriguing compound with various applications across different scientific fields. Known for its quaternary ammonium cation, this compound plays a significant role in numerous biological and industrial processes.

Key Characteristics

  • Biological Significance: This compound is an important component in the synthesis of surfactants, which are pivotal in biological systems and industrial applications, aiding in processes like emulsification, detergency, and wetting.
  • Potential Use in Pharmaceuticals: Due to its unique structural properties, it has been explored for potential use in drug delivery systems, enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
  • Environmental Applications: It serves as a subject of study in formulations related to environmental cleanup, particularly in the adsorption of pollutants from water sources.

Noteworthy Features

The structural composition of this compound brings several noteworthy features:

  • Charge Characteristics: The presence of a quaternary ammonium moiety contributes to its cationic nature, which is crucial for its interactions with negatively charged surfaces.
  • Functional Groups: The carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups lend biological activity and versatility, making it a useful precursor in organic synthesis.

As a chemist, you might find it fascinating how the interplay of various functional groups within (3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-propyl)-trimethyl-ammonium can lead to diverse chemical behavior and a wide range of applications. The study of such compounds not only enriches our understanding of chemistry but also opens doors to innovative solutions in healthcare and environmental science.

Synonyms
Carnitine
carnitinium
CHEBI:3424
Entomin
3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium
Carnitinum [INN-Latin]
1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt
Carnitina [INN-Spanish]
3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylpropan-1-aminium chloride
1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, chloride
gamma-Trimethyl-hydroxybutyrobetaine
3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammoniobutanoate
Spectrum_000067
Spectrum2_000009
Spectrum3_000576
Spectrum4_000388
Spectrum5_001473
bmse000074
bmse000949
BSPBio_001992
KBioGR_000915
KBioSS_000467
DivK1c_000470
SCHEMBL374454
SPBio_000017
CHEMBL1620698
KBio1_000470
KBio2_000467
KBio2_003035
KBio2_005603
KBio3_001492
NINDS_000470
ALBB-022446
s5937
STL426849
AKOS015960448
SDCCGMLS-0066567.P001
IDI1_000470
NCGC00178874-01
NCGC00178874-03
SBI-0051562.P002
3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoic acid
NS00101168
NS00124347
C00487
AB00053811_07
AB00053811_08
BRD-A89594340-003-11-5
BRD-A89594340-003-12-3
Q27106070