(2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is a compound with potential health implications due to its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are important in everyday life as they help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and disease development. Consuming foods or supplements rich in antioxidants, such as (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal, may therefore play a role in promoting overall well-being and potentially reducing the risk of certain illnesses.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
(2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal, also known as erythritol, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a sweetener in various food and beverage products due to its low calorie content and ability to enhance flavor. Erythritol is also utilized in the production of cosmetics and personal care products as a moisturizing agent.
In terms of drug and medication applications, (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal has been investigated for its potential use as a pharmaceutical excipient. It has shown promise in improving the solubility and bioavailability of certain drugs, making them more effective for therapeutic purposes. Additionally, erythritol may have applications in the development of oral drug delivery systems due to its stability and compatibility with various active ingredients.
Overall, (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal plays a significant role in various commercial and industrial sectors, ranging from food and beverage production to pharmaceutical development. Its unique properties make it a versatile ingredient with potential applications in a wide range of products and formulations.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
(2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal appears as a colorless solid with no distinct odor. It is a compound with a unique chemical structure that distinguishes it from common food items.
The molar mass of (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is approximately 150.13 g/mol, and its density is around 1.419 g/cm3. Compared to common food items, this compound has a lower molar mass but a slightly higher density.
The melting point of (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is approximately 110-115°C, while its boiling point is around 280-285°C. These values are higher than those of most common food items, which typically have lower melting and boiling points.
(2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is highly soluble in water and exhibits a low viscosity. In comparison to common food items, this compound has superior solubility in water and lower viscosity, making it easier to dissolve or mix in aqueous solutions.
🏭 Production & Procurement
In the production of (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal, the starting material typically consists of a specific carbohydrate, such as D-glucose or D-xylose. Through a series of enzymatic reactions, the carbohydrate undergoes oxidation, reduction, and dehydration to yield the desired tetrahydroxypentanal compound. This process requires precise control of temperature, pH, and enzyme activity to achieve high yields and purity.
To procure (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal, one must first identify a reliable supplier or manufacturer that produces the compound in accordance with quality standards and regulations. The compound can be transported in various forms, such as liquid solutions or solid crystals, depending on the intended use and storage conditions. Care must be taken during transportation to ensure the stability and integrity of the compound to prevent degradation or contamination.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal include potential irritant effects on the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. It is important to avoid direct contact with the chemical and to use appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. In case of accidental exposure, immediate medical attention should be sought, and the material safety data sheet should be consulted for proper handling and disposal procedures.
Hazard statements for (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal include “Causes skin irritation,” “Causes serious eye irritation,” and “May cause respiratory irritation.” These statements indicate the potential risks associated with exposure to the chemical and emphasize the importance of taking precautionary measures when handling or working with (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal to prevent adverse health effects.
Precautionary statements for (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal include “Wear protective gloves/eye protection/face protection,” “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray,” and “Wash thoroughly after handling.” These statements highlight the necessary precautions that should be taken to minimize the risks associated with exposure to the chemical and to ensure the safety of individuals working with (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal could explore its potential role as a precursor in the synthesis of novel pharmaceutical compounds, particularly those with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties.
Another potential research direction is to investigate the enzymatic pathways involved in the biosynthesis of (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal and its derivatives in various organisms, such as bacteria or plants, to better understand its biological functions.
Furthermore, studies could focus on the chemical reactivity and stability of (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal under different environmental conditions, which could provide insights into its potential applications in biocatalysis or as a building block in organic synthesis.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to (2R,3R,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is (2S,3S,4S)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal. This compound is an enantiomer of the original compound, meaning that it is a mirror image of the molecule. Despite being mirror images, enantiomers have different chemical properties due to their different spatial arrangements.
Another similar compound is (2R,3R,4S)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal. This compound differs from the original in the configuration of the fourth stereocenter. The change in configuration at this stereocenter results in a different spatial arrangement of the molecule, potentially affecting its reactivity and interactions with other compounds.
Additionally, (2R,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentanal is another similar compound to consider. In this compound, the second stereocenter has an opposite configuration compared to the original compound. This change in configuration can lead to differences in the compound’s biological activity, as the spatial arrangement of functional groups can impact how the molecule interacts with enzymes or receptors.
