4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol, commonly known as ergosterol, is a vital sterol found in the cell membranes of fungi and protozoa. Ergosterol plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light, making it an important compound for human health. Additionally, ergosterol is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for the production of antifungal medications. Overall, ergosterol has significant implications for both human health and medical research, highlighting its relevance to everyday life.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol, also known as campesterol, is primarily used in the commercial and industrial sectors for its applications in the production of sterols and phytosterols. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food additives due to its cholesterol-lowering properties and potential health benefits.
In the pharmaceutical industry, campesterol is utilized in the formulation of drugs and medications aimed at lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. As a plant sterol, it is known to inhibit the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestines, making it a key component in cholesterol-lowering medications and dietary supplements.
Furthermore, campesterol has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical products targeting various health conditions. Its versatile applications in the healthcare industry highlight its significance as a valuable compound with both commercial and medicinal potential.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
1. 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol appears as a white crystalline solid with no distinct odor. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.
2. The molar mass of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol is approximately 396.66 g/mol, with a density of around 1.0 g/cm3. This places it in the same range as common food items such as fats and oils.
3. The melting point of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol is approximately 130-140°C, while the boiling point is around 400-450°C. These values are much higher compared to common food items like sugar and salt.
4. The solubility of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol in water is very low, but it exhibits high viscosity. This is in contrast to common food items like salt and sugar, which are highly soluble in water and have low viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol, a sterol compound commonly referred to as campesterol, is primarily produced through the extraction and isolation of phytosterols from plant sources. The initial step involves the conversion of plant material, such as soybean or corn oil, into phytosterol-rich crude extracts through a series of extraction and purification processes. Subsequently, campesterol is isolated from these extracts using various techniques like chromatography or crystallization.
Once 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol has been successfully produced, it can be procured from suppliers specializing in chemical and pharmaceutical raw materials. The compound can be obtained in various forms such as powders, crystals, or solutions, depending on the intended use. Furthermore, transportation of campesterol typically involves the use of appropriate packaging and labeling to ensure safe handling and compliance with regulatory requirements.
In the industrial setting, the procurement of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol may also involve bulk transportation methods such as drums or containers. These larger quantities are often transported via road, rail, or sea freight to reach manufacturing facilities where the compound will be used in various applications. Overall, the production and procurement of campesterol require careful attention to quality control and safety measures to maintain the integrity of the compound throughout the supply chain.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol must be taken seriously due to its potential hazards. This compound may cause skin irritation and eye irritation upon contact. Ingestion or inhalation of the substance can lead to more severe health effects such as respiratory irritation, organ damage, or even death in extreme cases. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, should be worn when handling this compound. Additionally, it is crucial to work in a well-ventilated area and to follow proper disposal procedures for any waste materials containing the substance.
The hazard statements for 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol outline the potential dangers associated with this compound. It is classified as harmful if swallowed, harmful if inhaled, causes skin irritation, and causes serious eye irritation. This compound may also cause respiratory irritation and may be toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. It is crucial to handle this substance with caution and to take necessary precautions to prevent exposure.
Precautionary statements for 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol provide important guidelines for safe handling and storage. It is recommended to wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection, and face protection when working with this compound. Avoid breathing in vapors, mist, or gas, and only use this substance in a well-ventilated area. Store this compound in a tightly closed container, away from heat, sparks, and open flames. In case of skin irritation, wash with plenty of soap and water, and in case of eye contact, rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol is its pharmacological properties, including its potential as a therapeutic agent for various diseases or conditions. Researchers could investigate its effects on specific cellular pathways or molecular targets to understand its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic applications.
Another area of interest could be exploring the bioavailability and metabolism of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol in the human body. This could involve studying its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion to better understand how the compound is processed in the body and how it may interact with other compounds or drugs.
Furthermore, researchers could investigate the potential toxicity or adverse effects of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol, both in vitro and in vivo. Understanding the safety profile of this compound is crucial for assessing its potential as a therapeutic agent and for determining appropriate dosages or administration routes.
Finally, researchers may also explore the synthesis or modification of 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol to develop analogs or derivatives with improved pharmacological properties or reduced toxicity. This could involve structural modifications to enhance its bioactivity, stability, or targeting capabilities, leading to the development of novel drug candidates with potential clinical applications.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol is Ergosterol. Ergosterol is a sterol compound found in fungi and yeast cells, and it plays a vital role in maintaining cell membrane structure and fluidity. Structurally, ergosterol is similar to 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol in that it contains a steroid nucleus with a side chain, although the specific substitutions differ between the two compounds.
Another related compound is Cholesterol. Cholesterol is a sterol compound found in the cell membranes of animals, and it is crucial for various biological functions including hormone synthesis and cell signaling. Like 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol, cholesterol also contains a steroid nucleus with a hydrophobic side chain, although the specific arrangement of functional groups differs between the two compounds.
A third compound with structural similarities to 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol is Campesterol. Campesterol is a plant sterol commonly found in vegetable oils and cereal grains, and it is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. Structurally, campesterol shares similarities with 4alpha-Methyl-5alpha-ergosta-8,14,24(28)-trien-3beta-ol in that it contains a sterol nucleus with a side chain, although the side chain substitutions and double bond positions may vary between the two compounds.
