4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is a compound commonly used in biochemical research and pharmaceutical development. Specifically, it is utilized as a substrate for enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, which play a crucial role in various biological processes. Understanding the activity and characteristics of these enzymes can provide insights into diseases and help in the development of new drugs and therapies. Therefore, 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate holds significant relevance in advancing scientific knowledge and potentially improving healthcare outcomes in everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, also known as p-Nitrophenyl phosphate or pNPP, has several commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a substrate for the detection of alkaline phosphatase in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and other diagnostic tests. Additionally, 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is utilized in the production of various phosphatase inhibitors and activators for research purposes in biochemistry and molecular biology.
In the field of drug discovery and medication development, 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate plays a crucial role as a model substrate for studying enzyme kinetics and inhibitor interactions. Its ability to undergo enzymatic hydrolysis by alkaline phosphatase makes it a valuable tool for screening potential drug candidates targeting this enzyme. Furthermore, its simplicity and reliability make it a preferred choice for high-throughput screening assays to identify novel inhibitors or activators with therapeutic potential.
Overall, 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate exhibits versatile applications in both commercial and industrial settings, ranging from diagnostic assays to drug discovery research. Its stability, solubility, and compatibility with enzymatic reactions make it an indispensable tool for various biochemical and pharmaceutical applications. In summary, the utility of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate extends across different disciplines, making it a valuable compound in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, and drug development.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is a crystalline solid with a yellow color and a faint odor. It is commonly used in biochemical research as a substrate for alkaline phosphatase.
The molar mass of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is approximately 304.11 g/mol, and it has a density of 1.92 g/cm3. This compound has a higher molar mass compared to common household items like table salt and sugar, but its density is similar to that of household cleaning products.
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate has a melting point of 141-144°C and a boiling point of 651.6°C. These values are higher than those of water and cooking oil commonly found in households, indicating a higher heat resistance.
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is sparingly soluble in water, forming a slightly viscous solution. Its solubility is lower than that of salt or sugar, and its viscosity is higher than that of water, but lower than that of honey or syrup commonly found in households.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is typically produced through a multistep chemical synthesis process in a laboratory setting. The first step involves the reaction between 4-nitrophenol and phosphoric acid, resulting in the formation of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate. This reaction is followed by purification steps to isolate the desired product in its pure form.
The procurement of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is commonly done through chemical suppliers or specialized manufacturers. The compound is typically sold in its solid form, either as a powder or crystalline material. Upon procurement, the compound must be handled with care due to its potentially hazardous nature, requiring proper safety precautions during transportation and storage.
When transporting 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, it is crucial to ensure compliance with applicable regulations regarding the transportation of hazardous materials. The compound should be securely packaged in appropriate containers to prevent spills or leaks during transit. It is advisable to consult with professionals experienced in handling hazardous chemicals to ensure safe and compliant transportation practices.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate:
When handling 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, it is crucial to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and lab coat to prevent any potential skin or eye contact. Additionally, it is important to work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling any potentially harmful fumes. It is recommended to store 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials to prevent any accidents or chemical reactions.
Pharmacology of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate:
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is commonly used as a substrate in enzyme assays, particularly in the study of phosphatase enzymes. When 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is hydrolyzed by phosphatase enzymes, it produces a yellow product, which can be measured spectrophotometrically. This property makes 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate a valuable tool in studying the activity of phosphatase enzymes in various biological systems.
Hazard Statements for 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate:
4-Nitrophenyl phosphate may cause skin irritation and eye irritation, and it is harmful if swallowed. It may also cause respiratory irritation if inhaled. It is important to handle 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate with care and follow proper safety procedures to minimize the risk of exposure and potential harm.
Precautionary Statements for 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate:
When working with 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, it is recommended to wear protective gloves, clothing, and eye protection to prevent skin and eye contact. Avoid breathing in fumes or dust from 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, and work in a well-ventilated area. In case of ingestion, seek medical advice immediately and provide the medical personnel with the product label or Safety Data Sheet for proper treatment guidance.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is the investigation of its potential as a substrate for enzymatic studies. Understanding its interaction with enzymes could provide valuable insights into catalytic mechanisms.
Another avenue of research could explore the potential use of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate in bioanalytical assays. Its ability to undergo enzymatic hydrolysis can be exploited for the detection and quantification of specific enzymes or enzyme activities.
Furthermore, studies focusing on the synthesis of derivatives of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate could lead to the development of new compounds with enhanced biochemical properties or biotechnological applications.
Exploration of the environmental fate and toxicity of 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is also a research direction worth considering. Understanding its behavior in the environment and its potential impact on ecosystems can provide valuable information for risk assessment and management strategies.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate based upon molecular structure is 4-Nitrophenyl acetate. This compound also contains a nitro group attached to a phenyl ring, but instead of being linked to a phosphate group, it is connected to an acetate group. This substitution of the phosphate group for an acetate group gives 4-Nitrophenyl acetate different chemical properties and reactivity.
Another compound with a similar molecular structure to 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is 4-Nitrophenyl sulfate. Like 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate, 4-Nitrophenyl sulfate contains a nitro group attached to a phenyl ring. However, in this compound, the nitro group is linked to a sulfate group instead of a phosphate group. The presence of the sulfate group alters the compound’s chemical properties compared to 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate.
One more compound that shares a similar molecular structure to 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate is 4-Nitrophenol. This compound also contains a nitro group attached to a phenyl ring, but in this case, there is no phosphate group present. 4-Nitrophenol is a phenolic compound with a single nitro group, making it structurally similar to 4-Nitrophenyl phosphate but with different chemical properties due to the absence of a phosphate group.
