Alpha-Angelica lactone, a natural compound found in plants such as angelica and celery, may seem esoteric to the average consumer. However, its significance lies in its potential applications in the fragrance and flavor industries. This compound contributes a unique scent and taste profile, making it an important ingredient in perfumes, cosmetics, and food products. As consumers continue to seek natural and sustainable ingredients, alpha-Angelica lactone offers a promising solution for manufacturers looking to meet these demands. Its presence in everyday products may go unnoticed, but its role in enhancing sensory experiences cannot be understated.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Alpha-Angelica lactone, a chemical compound primarily found in angelica root oil, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is used in the fragrance industry as a fragrance ingredient due to its sweet and floral scent. Additionally, alpha-Angelica lactone is utilized in the flavor industry to impart a smooth, creamy, and caramel-like flavor to food products.
In the pharmaceutical industry, alpha-Angelica lactone has been studied for its potential medicinal properties. Research suggests that this compound may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, making it a promising candidate for the development of drugs for various health conditions. Furthermore, alpha-Angelica lactone has shown potential as an anti-cancer agent, with studies indicating its ability to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
Overall, alpha-Angelica lactone exhibits a wide range of commercial, industrial, and medicinal applications, highlighting its versatility and potential in various fields. Further research and exploration of this compound may lead to new developments in fragrance, flavor, pharmaceuticals, and other industries.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Alpha-Angelica lactone is a colorless liquid with a pleasant, sweet odor. It is commonly found in certain herbs, spices, and essential oils, contributing to their aromatic properties.
The molar mass of alpha-Angelica lactone is approximately 154.2 g/mol, with a density of about 0.98 g/cm3. In comparison, common food items such as sugar and salt have higher molar masses and densities.
Alpha-Angelica lactone has a melting point of around -20°C and a boiling point of approximately 202°C. These values differ from those of common food items such as butter and olive oil, which have lower melting and boiling points.
Alpha-Angelica lactone is sparingly soluble in water, with a relatively low viscosity. This contrasts with common food items such as sugar and salt, which are highly soluble in water and have higher viscosities.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Alpha-Angelica lactone is produced through the enzymatic conversion of sapwood material from the Angelica archangelica plant. This process involves the extraction of the sapwood, followed by enzymatic treatment to yield the desired lactone compound.
To procure alpha-Angelica lactone, one must first obtain the Angelica archangelica plant material, typically sourced from botanical gardens or specialized suppliers. Once the plant material is acquired, the sapwood must be carefully extracted and processed to isolate the lactone compound.
The transportation of alpha-Angelica lactone is typically done in sealed containers to prevent oxidation and degradation of the compound. Due to its sensitivity to light and heat, storage and transportation conditions must be carefully controlled to maintain the integrity of the lactone during transit.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for alpha-Angelica lactone include its flammable nature, potential skin and eye irritation upon contact, and its ability to cause respiratory issues if inhaled. It is important to handle this compound with care, using proper protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Additionally, alpha-Angelica lactone should be stored in a cool, dry place away from heat sources and incompatible materials to prevent any risks of fire or chemical reactions.
Hazard statements for alpha-Angelica lactone indicate that it is highly flammable, may cause skin and eye irritation, and can be harmful if inhaled. It is important to avoid skin contact and inhalation of this compound, as well as use it in a well-ventilated area to minimize any potential health risks. In case of contact with skin or eyes, it is recommended to rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Precautionary statements for alpha-Angelica lactone include wearing protective gloves, eye protection, and face protection when handling the compound to minimize risks of skin and eye irritation. It is also advised to use this chemical in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent inhalation of vapors. In case of accidental exposure, it is important to seek medical advice immediately and have the Safety Data Sheet on hand for reference.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for alpha-Angelica lactone is its chemical properties and reactivity with various compounds. This could involve studying its stability, solubility, and potential applications in organic synthesis.
Another avenue of investigation could be exploring the biological activity of alpha-Angelica lactone. This could include assessing its antimicrobial, antioxidant, or anticancer properties, as well as its potential as a novel therapeutic agent.
Furthermore, researchers may also focus on the isolation and characterization of alpha-Angelica lactone from natural sources. This could involve developing efficient extraction methods, identifying sources rich in the compound, and determining its presence in different plant species.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to alpha-Angelica lactone based upon molecular structure is beta-Angelica lactone. Beta-Angelica lactone shares a similar lactone ring structure with alpha-Angelica lactone, but differs in the position of the double bond within the ring. This compound is also found in Angelica root oil and possesses similar biological activities to alpha-Angelica lactone.
Another compound that bears resemblance to alpha-Angelica lactone is alpha-Coumarone. Alpha-Coumarone is a bicyclic aromatic compound that contains a lactone ring structure similar to that of alpha-Angelica lactone. This compound is found in coal tar and displays similar chemical properties due to the presence of the lactone functional group.
One additional compound with a comparable molecular structure to alpha-Angelica lactone is gamma-Butyrolactone. Gamma-Butyrolactone is a lactone compound that shares a similar four-membered ring structure with alpha-Angelica lactone. This versatile compound is used in various industrial applications, but also exhibits similarities in reactivity and properties to alpha-Angelica lactone due to the lactone ring present in both compounds.