4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is a compound that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, particularly in the metabolism of certain amino acids. This compound is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of L-carnitine, a substance essential for the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Moreover, 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is also involved in the conversion of gamma-butyrobetaine to L-carnitine, highlighting its significance in maintaining proper physiological functions. As such, understanding the relevance of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal can provide insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying metabolic pathways and contribute to the development of potential treatment strategies for related disorders.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
1) 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal, also known as TMAB, has a variety of commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a surfactant in cleaning products due to its ability to lower the surface tension of liquids. Additionally, TMAB is utilized as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial processes to protect metals from rust and oxidation.
2) In drug and medication applications, 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal has been found to have antimicrobial properties, making it a potential ingredient in pharmaceutical products. It has also shown promise as a chelating agent, helping to remove heavy metals from the body. These properties make TMAB a versatile compound in the field of medicine.
3) Another important application of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is in the agricultural industry. It is used as a fertilizer additive to improve the uptake of nutrients by plants. Additionally, TMAB can be used as a pesticide synergist, enhancing the effectiveness of other chemicals in controlling pests and diseases in crops.
4) The versatility of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal in various industries highlights its importance as a chemical compound. Its unique properties make it a valuable ingredient in a wide range of products, from household cleaners to pharmaceuticals. As research into TMAB continues, its potential applications are likely to expand further, making it a compound of significant interest in commercial, industrial, and medical fields.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is a colorless crystalline solid with a pungent odor. It is highly soluble in water and commonly used in organic synthesis as a reactant.
The molar mass of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is approximately 131.21 g/mol, with a density of about 1.05 g/cm3. In comparison to common household items such as sugar (molar mass ~342.3 g/mol, density ~1.59 g/cm3) and salt (molar mass ~58.44 g/mol, density ~2.16 g/cm3), 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal has a lower molar mass and density.
4-Trimethylammoniobutanal has a melting point of around 44-46°C and a boiling point of approximately 178-180°C. Compared to common household items like water (melting point 0°C, boiling point 100°C) and butter (melting point ~30-35°C, boiling point ~150°C), 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal has a higher melting and boiling point.
4-Trimethylammoniobutanal exhibits high solubility in water and has a low viscosity. In comparison to common household items like oil (low solubility in water, higher viscosity) and vinegar (high solubility in water, lower viscosity), 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal behaves similarly in terms of solubility but has a lower viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
In the production of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal, the starting material is typically butanal, which undergoes a series of chemical reactions to introduce three methyl groups and an ammonium moiety. The process involves carefully controlled reaction conditions and the use of specific catalysts to achieve the desired product.
To procure 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal, one must typically rely on specialized chemical suppliers that produce and sell this compound. It is often available in both liquid and solid form, with varying levels of purity depending on the intended application. Transportation of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is generally done in sealed containers to prevent exposure to air or moisture, which can degrade the compound.
Care must be taken when handling and storing 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal, as it is a potentially hazardous compound. Proper safety equipment and protocols should be followed to minimize the risk of accidents or exposure. Additionally, regulatory requirements for the storage and handling of hazardous chemicals must be adhered to when dealing with this compound.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal involve ensuring proper storage, handling, and disposal procedures are in place to minimize potential risks to human health and the environment. It is essential to store this compound in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat and ignition, as it may be flammable. When handling 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal, it is important to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and eye protection, to prevent skin or eye contact. In the event of a spill, appropriate clean-up procedures should be followed to minimize exposure.
The pharmacology of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal is not well-studied, given its primarily industrial and research applications. However, this compound is known to exhibit antimicrobial properties, making it a potential candidate for use in disinfectants or preservatives. Research suggests that 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal may act by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their death. Further studies are needed to fully understand the pharmacological mechanisms and potential therapeutic uses of this compound.
Hazard statements for 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal include “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation” based on available data. This compound is also known to be harmful if swallowed or inhaled, with potential respiratory and gastrointestinal effects. Exposure to high concentrations of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal may result in irritation of the respiratory tract, leading to coughing or shortness of breath. Proper ventilation and respiratory protection should be used when working with this compound to minimize these risks.
Precautionary statements for 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal include “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray” and “Wash hands thoroughly after handling” to minimize potential health hazards. It is important to work with this compound in a well-ventilated area to prevent the accumulation of vapors. In case of skin or eye contact, immediate medical attention is advised, along with the removal of contaminated clothing and thorough cleaning of affected areas. Proper disposal of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal waste is also necessary to prevent environmental contamination.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal involves further investigation into its biological activity, particularly its potential as a pharmacological agent in the treatment of various diseases. Studies could explore its interactions with biological targets and its overall impact on cellular processes.
Another possible research avenue could focus on the synthesis and optimization of novel derivatives of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal with improved properties, such as enhanced solubility, stability, or bioavailability. This line of research could lead to the development of new compounds with potential applications in drug delivery or formulation.
Alternatively, researchers could delve into the environmental fate and potential toxicological effects of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal. Studies could investigate its degradation pathways, bioaccumulation potential, and impact on non-target organisms. This research could provide valuable insights into the compound’s environmental risk profile.
Finally, investigations into the industrial applications of 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal could be a fruitful area of research. Studies could explore its potential use as a catalyst, reagent, or additive in various chemical processes. This research could uncover new opportunities for utilizing 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal in industrial applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal based upon molecular structure is 3-Trimethylammoniopropionaldehyde. This compound also contains a trimethylammonio group attached to an aldehyde functional group. The difference lies in the length of the carbon chain, with the propionaldehyde containing a three-carbon chain instead of the four-carbon chain present in 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal.
Another compound with a similar structure is 5-Trimethylammoniopentanal. This compound shares the same trimethylammonio group attached to an aldehyde functional group as 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal. The main difference is the length of the carbon chain, with pentanal containing a five-carbon chain compared to the four-carbon chain in 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal.
Lastly, a related compound is Trimethylammonioacetone. This compound features a trimethylammonio group attached to a ketone functional group. While the functional group differs from aldehyde, the presence of the trimethylammonio group gives it similarity to 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal. The acetone structure also has a distinct ketone functional group compared to the aldehyde functional group in 4-Trimethylammoniobutanal.