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Kojic Acid

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Identification
Molecular formula
C6H6O4
CAS number
501-30-4
IUPAC name
5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one
State
State

At room temperature, kojic acid is typically found in a solid state.

Melting point (Celsius)
153.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
426.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
0.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
0.00
General information
Molecular weight
142.11g/mol
Molar mass
142.1110g/mol
Density
1.5801g/cm3
Appearence

Kojic acid is a colorless or white crystalline solid. It can also appear as a light yellow powder. Kojic acid is soluble in water and organic solvents, and it has a slight characteristic odor.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one

The solubility of 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one, with the chemical formula C6H6O4, is characterized by its interactions with solvent systems. This compound demonstrates some notable features in terms of solubility:

  • Polar Solvents: Due to the presence of hydroxyl groups, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one exhibits good solubility in polar solvents like water and ethanol.
  • Non-Polar Solvents: Conversely, the molecule's solubility in non-polar solvents is poor, as non-polar environments do not effectively solvate the polar sites of the molecule.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility may increase with temperature, as is common with many organic compounds, indicating that heating may enhance dissolution rates.

Overall, the solubility characteristics of this compound suggest it is more compatible with aqueous and alcohol-based environments, making it a valuable compound in various applications where such properties are essential. Remember, when working with solubility, factors like pH, molecular structure, and temperature can play significant roles in determining the solubility of compounds.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one

5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one, commonly known as arbutin, is a fascinating compound with a rich background and diverse applications. Here are some intriguing aspects of this chemical:

  • Natural Occurrence: Arbutin is found naturally in various plants, particularly in the leaves of bearberry and blueberry. Its presence in these plants contributes to their medicinal properties.
  • Skin Lightening Agent: This compound is widely studied for its skin-lightening effects. Arbutin inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is crucial in melanin production, making it a popular ingredient in cosmetic formulations aimed at reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Arbutin exhibits antioxidant properties, which can help neutralize free radicals in the body. This makes it beneficial not only in cosmetics but also in health supplements.
  • Safety Profile: Compared to other skin-lightening agents, arbutin is considered to have a good safety profile. It is generally regarded as safe when used topically, making it a favored choice in cosmetic applications.
  • Research Potential: Ongoing research into arbutin's pharmacological properties highlights its potential as a therapeutic agent. Its effects on various biological pathways are subjects of interest in both pharmacology and dermatology.

In summary, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one is not just a chemical compound; it represents a bridge between nature and cosmetic science. With its potential health benefits and aesthetic uses, it showcases the significance of chemistry in enhancing human well-being.

Synonyms
kojic acid
501-30-4
5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one
5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-pyrone
4H-PYRAN-4-ONE, 5-HYDROXY-2-(HYDROXYMETHYL)-
5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyran-4-one
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone
acido kojico
2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-gamma-pyrone
MFCD00006580
Kojisaeure
CCRIS 4131
2-(Hydroxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one
NSC 1942
EINECS 207-922-4
UNII-6K23F1TT52
BRN 0120895
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-4-pyranone
DTXSID2040236
CHEBI:43572
AI3-02549
HSDB 7664
Pyran-4-one, 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)
6K23F1TT52
NSC-1942
123712-78-7
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-pyran-4-one
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one
CHEMBL287556
DTXCID0020236
NSC1942
5-18-02-00516 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
NCGC00017325-03
NCGC00017325-06
KOJIC ACID (IARC)
KOJIC ACID [IARC]
KOJIC ACID (MART.)
KOJIC ACID [MART.]
CAS-501-30-4
Kojic acid (Standard)
Spectrum_000191
KOJIC ACID [MI]
Spectrum2_001828
Spectrum3_001704
Spectrum4_000571
Spectrum5_001085
Natural Kojic Acid Powder
KOJIC ACID [HSDB]
Oprea1_038773
SCHEMBL36895
BSPBio_003288
KBioGR_001002
KBioSS_000671
KOJIC ACID [WHO-DD]
BIDD:ER0501
DivK1c_000923
SPBio_001875
Kojic acid, analytical standard
MEGxm0_000388
WLN: T6O DVJ B1Q EQ
ACon1_000622
BEJNERDRQOWKJM-UHFFFAOYSA-
HMS502O05
KBio1_000923
KBio2_000671
KBio2_003239
KBio2_005807
KBio3_002508
NINDS_000923
HMS3604L04
KUC106760N
HY-W050154R
TNP00261
2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-?-pyrone
Tox21_110814
Tox21_113449
BBL010645
BDBM50031467
CCG-38458
s5174
STK801688
AKOS000120649
Tox21_110814_1
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-I(3)-pyron
DB01759
FK01303
HY-W050154
IDI1_000923
SMP1_000171
NCGC00017325-01
NCGC00017325-02
NCGC00017325-04
NCGC00017325-05
NCGC00017325-10
NCGC00142361-01
NCGC00168903-01
NCGC00168903-02
NCGC00181145-01
AC-11658
AS-11648
Kojic acid, purum, >=98.0% (HPLC)
KSC-11-228-2
SY018009
2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-4H-pyran-4-one
CS-0032701
K0010
K0012
NS00013805
EN300-20919
C91105
2-HYDROXYMETHYL-5-HYDROXY-.GAMMA.-PYRONE
AN-584/40205787
Q416285
SR-01000945134
SR-01000945134-1
C65A72E0-0E46-4AF4-AA68-178ECA2E5FCC
F0001-1307
Z104484860
InChI=1/C6H6O4/c7-2-4-1-5(8)6(9)3-10-4/h1,3,7,9H,2H2
207-922-4
5-Hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4-pyrone; 2-Hydroxymethyl-5-hydroxy-4-pyrone; 5-Hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4H-pyran-4-one