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Phosphatidylcholine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C40H80NO8P
CAS number
8002-43-5
IUPAC name
3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate
State
State

At room temperature, phosphatidylcholine is typically in a solid state but can appear as a semi-liquid depending on the surrounding conditions and its specific formulation.

Melting point (Celsius)
-20.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
253.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
420.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
693.15
General information
Molecular weight
760.08g/mol
Molar mass
760.0760g/mol
Density
1.0300g/cm3
Appearence

Phosphatidylcholine typically appears as a white to off-white powder or as a waxy, non-crystalline mass. It may also be encountered as a light yellow liquid when mixed with certain solvents. This compound is known for its role in biology as a major component of cell membranes.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate

The solubility of 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate (C40H80NO8P) can be understood through its unique structural features and chemical properties. This compound exhibits characteristics that influence its interaction with solvents:

  • Hydrophobic Nature: The long hexadecyl chain contributes significantly to the hydrophobicity of the molecule, making it less soluble in water.
  • Ionic Character: The presence of the trimethylammonio group provides a positive charge, which can enhance solubility in polar solvents to some extent, particularly in saline solutions.
  • Amphiphilic Properties: With both hydrophobic and hydrophilic sections, this compound may exhibit the ability to form micelles or aggregates in solutions, improving solubility under specific conditions.

In summary, while 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate may show limited solubility in pure water due to its long hydrophobic tail, its ionic nature allows for better solubility in polar or ionic environments, making it an intriguing compound for both research and application in various fields.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate

3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate is a fascinating compound with a unique structural composition that contributes to its significance in various fields, particularly in biology and materials science. Here are some essential points to consider:

  • Biological Relevance: This compound belongs to a class of molecules known as phospholipids, which are *vital components of cell membranes*. Phospholipids help maintain the structural integrity and functionality of cellular membranes, thus playing a crucial role in biological processes.
  • Amphiphilic Nature: The presence of both hydrophobic (the long hydrocarbon chain) and hydrophilic (the trimethylammonio group) sections in the molecule grants it *amphiphilic properties*. This characteristic makes it valuable in emulsion stabilization and the formation of liposomes, which are essential for drug delivery systems.
  • Surface Activity: Compounds like 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate can reduce surface tension at the air-water interface, making them effective surfactants. This property has implications in detergents and cosmetic formulations.
  • Potential Applications: With its unique structure, this compound may find applications in various areas such as:
    • Drug delivery vehicles
    • Gene therapy
    • Nanotechnology
  • Research Interest: The study of this compound opens avenues for research into how similar lipid-based molecules can be utilized for *targeted therapeutics*. Understanding its interactions with biological membranes could lead to significant breakthroughs in medicine.

In summary, 3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate is not only intriguing in its chemical composition but also in its *vast potential applications* across science and technology. The increasing focus on lipid-based formulations signifies the importance of such compounds in advancing our understanding of biological systems.

Synonyms
PALMITOYLCARNITINE
1935-18-8
O-palmitoylcarnitine
O-hexadecanoylcarnitine
Palmitylcarnitine
PALMITOYL-CARNITINE
3-hexadecanoyloxy-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoate
CHEBI:73067
1-Propanaminium,3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-, inner salt
(+/-)-palmitoyl carnitine
U8K6DKA8V2
3-(hexadecanoyloxy)-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate
3-(hexadecanoyloxy)-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoate
1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-((1-oxohexadecyl)oxy)-, inner salt
UNII-U8K6DKA8V2
carnitine palmitate
hexadecanoylcarnitines
palmitoyl-dl-carnitine
Acylcarnitine C16:0
DL-PALMITOYLCARNITINE
PALMITYL-DL-CARNITINE
PALMITOYL DL-CARNITINE
SCHEMBL115183
CHEMBL301722
DTXSID90895028
O-HEXADECANOYL-DL-CARNITINE
BDBM50230701
LMFA07070098
AKOS027326556
PALMITOYL CARNITINE, (+/-)-
AC(16:0)
FP172246
HY-126357
CS-0102941
Q7128408
(+-)-3-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-((1-oxohexadecyl)oxy)-1-propanaminium inner salt
1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-((1-oxohexadecyl)oxy)-, inner salt, (+-)-
AMMONIUM, (3-CARBOXY-2-HYDROXYPROPYL)TRIMETHYL-, HYDROXIDE, INNER SALT, PALMITATE
PALMITIC ACID, ESTER WITH (3-CARBOXY-2-HYDROXYPROPYL)TRIMETHYLAMMONIUM HYDROXIDE INNER SALT