4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate, a chemical compound commonly used as a substrate in enzymatic assays, plays a significant role in various biochemical and biomedical applications. This compound is utilized in laboratories to study enzyme activity, particularly in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, and pharmaceutical research. Due to its fluorescent properties upon enzymatic cleavage, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate allows for the rapid and sensitive detection of enzyme reactions, making it a valuable tool in understanding various biological processes. Its relevance extends to everyday life through its contributions to advancing medical research and the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate (4-MU acetate) is commonly used in commercial and industrial applications as a fluorescent substrate for various enzymes. It is often employed in enzymatic assays to detect the activity of β-galactosidase and other glycosidases. Its fluorescence properties make it a valuable tool for studying enzyme kinetics and detecting enzyme activity in research laboratories and industrial settings.
In the pharmaceutical industry, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate has found applications in drug and medication testing. Its ability to be cleaved by certain enzymes makes it a useful tool for screening potential drug candidates and studying drug metabolism. By monitoring the enzymatic activity on 4-MU acetate, researchers can gain insights into the efficacy and potential toxicities of new drugs, aiding in the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals.
Furthermore, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is utilized in medical diagnostics, particularly in the detection of lysosomal storage disorders. Enzymatic assays using 4-MU acetate can help identify deficiencies in specific enzymes that are indicative of these genetic disorders. By measuring the enzymatic activity on 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate in patient samples, healthcare providers can diagnose and monitor lysosomal storage disorders accurately and efficiently.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder with a faint odor. Its odor is not easily detectable unless in large quantities.
With a molar mass of 250.24 g/mol and a density of 1.287 g/cm³, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is comparable to household items like baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in terms of molar mass and density.
The compound has a melting point of 100-101°C and a boiling point of 250-252°C. In comparison to common household items, such as table salt (sodium chloride), 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate exhibits higher melting and boiling points.
4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It has a low viscosity, similar to substances like ethanol or isopropanol, making it easily pourable.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is typically produced through the esterification of 4-methylumbelliferone with acetic anhydride. This reaction is commonly carried out in the presence of a catalyst such as sulfuric acid or pyridine to promote the formation of the desired product. The resulting 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate is then purified through methods such as recrystallization or chromatography to ensure its high quality and purity.
The procurement of 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate can be achieved through various chemical suppliers who specialize in providing laboratory reagents and intermediates. These suppliers often offer the compound in different quantities, ranging from small research-scale amounts to larger industrial-scale quantities. Upon procurement, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate can be transported via standard shipping methods, such as ground or air transportation, in compliance with regulations governing the transport of hazardous materials.
For research and industrial purposes, 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate can be procured in its pure form or as a ready-to-use solution in suitable solvents. These solutions are often stable and can be stored under specific conditions to maintain their integrity and functionality. Additionally, the compound can be packaged and labeled according to regulatory requirements to ensure safe handling and use in laboratories and industrial settings.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate include proper storage in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. It should be kept in a well-ventilated area and away from incompatible materials such as oxidizing agents. Personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat should be worn when handling this compound to minimize the risk of contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
The pharmacology of 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate involves its use as a fluorogenic substrate for detecting enzyme activity. When acted upon by certain enzymes, such as esterases, the compound undergoes a reaction that releases a fluorescent product, which can be quantified using a spectrofluorometer. This property makes it a valuable tool in biochemical research for studying enzyme kinetics and activity levels in biological samples.
Hazard statements for 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate include warnings about its potential to cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. It is also harmful if swallowed or inhaled, and may cause respiratory irritation. In case of exposure, immediate medical attention is advised, and contaminated clothing should be removed and washed before reuse. It is important to handle this compound with care and follow proper safety protocols to minimize the risk of adverse health effects.
Precautionary statements for 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate emphasize the importance of using appropriate protective measures when working with this compound. This includes wearing gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, as well as working in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhalation of vapors. Spills should be cleaned up promptly using absorbent materials and disposed of in accordance with local regulations. It is also recommended to wash hands thoroughly after handling this compound to avoid accidental ingestion or contact with sensitive areas like the eyes.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate involves studying its enzymatic hydrolysis by esterases, as the compound is commonly used as a substrate for measuring esterase activity in biological samples.
Researchers may also explore the use of 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate as a fluorescent probe for detecting enzymatic activity in cell assays, as its fluorescence properties make it a valuable tool for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibition.
Furthermore, investigations into the synthesis and modification of 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate derivatives could lead to the development of novel fluorescent probes with enhanced properties for various biochemical assays and imaging applications.
Lastly, research efforts may focus on exploring the potential pharmaceutical applications of 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate and its derivatives, particularly in drug screening assays and targeted drug delivery systems for treating diseases related to enzymatic dysregulation.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate based upon molecular structure is 4-Methylumbelliferyl butyrate. This compound also contains a methyl group attached to the umbelliferone backbone, but with a longer acyl chain (butyrate) instead of acetate. This slight alteration in the structure can lead to differences in enzymatic activities and substrate specificity compared to 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate.
Another related compound is 4-Methylumbelliferyl palmitate. In this compound, the acyl chain attached to the umbelliferone backbone is palmitate, which is longer than both acetate and butyrate. The increased hydrophobicity due to the longer acyl chain can impact substrate recognition and binding by enzymes that hydrolyze or modify these compounds. 4-Methylumbelliferyl palmitate is often used in enzymatic assays to study lipase and esterase activities.
4-Methylumbelliferyl laurate is also a compound similar to 4-Methylumbelliferyl acetate. In this compound, the acyl chain attached to the umbelliferone backbone is laurate, which is longer than acetate but shorter than palmitate. This variation in acyl chain length can affect the substrate specificity of enzymes that cleave or modify the ester bond in these compounds. 4-Methylumbelliferyl laurate can be used in enzymatic assays to study the activity of lipases with medium-length acyl chains.
