Beta-Naphthoflavone is a chemical compound that has garnered attention in the scientific community for its potential role in drug metabolism and environmental toxicity studies. This compound has been found to induce certain enzymes responsible for metabolizing drugs and other foreign substances in the body. Additionally, Beta-Naphthoflavone has been studied for its ability to activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, which plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes. Understanding the effects of Beta-Naphthoflavone can provide insights into how our bodies process medications and respond to environmental pollutants, ultimately contributing to advancements in drug development and environmental health research.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Beta-Naphthoflavone, also known as β-NF, is a synthetic flavone compound that has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a model compound in research studies to investigate the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, as it can induce cytochrome P450 enzymes.
In addition to its industrial applications, Beta-Naphthoflavone also has potential drug and medication applications. It is known to have chemopreventive properties, making it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, Beta-Naphthoflavone has been studied for its potential use as a modulator of drug metabolism, which could aid in improving the efficacy and safety of pharmaceutical drugs.
Overall, Beta-Naphthoflavone’s versatility and ability to interact with various biological pathways make it a valuable compound in both commercial, industrial, and medicinal applications. Its unique properties continue to be explored for potential advancements in various industries and fields of medicine.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Beta-Naphthoflavone is a pale yellow powder with a faint odor that is characteristic of aromatic compounds. This compound is not typically found in common food items, but is rather used in research settings due to its ability to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes.
With a molar mass of approximately 256.28 g/mol, Beta-Naphthoflavone is relatively lighter than common food items such as sugar (342.3 g/mol) and salt (58.44 g/mol). In terms of density, Beta-Naphthoflavone has a density of around 1.24 g/cm3, which is similar to that of olive oil (0.92 g/cm3) but greater than that of water (1.0 g/cm3).
Beta-Naphthoflavone has a melting point of around 166°C and a boiling point of approximately 410°C. These values are significantly higher than those of common food items such as butter (melting point of 32-35°C) and water (boiling point of 100°C). This high melting and boiling points make Beta-Naphthoflavone stable under normal laboratory conditions.
In terms of solubility, Beta-Naphthoflavone is sparingly soluble in water, but readily dissolves in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone. Additionally, this compound exhibits a relatively high viscosity, similar to that of honey or syrup, making it difficult to handle in liquid form compared to common food items which are typically more fluid.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Beta-Naphthoflavone, also known as β-Naphthoflavone or β-NF, is primarily produced through chemical synthesis in laboratory settings. This compound can be obtained by reacting naphthalene with malic anhydride and subsequently converting the resulting product to β-Naphthoflavone through additional chemical reactions.
Given its specialized nature, Beta-Naphthoflavone is typically procured through chemical suppliers that cater to research laboratories and industrial settings. This compound is commonly transported in sealed containers to prevent contamination or degradation during transit. Proper handling and storage guidelines must be followed to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of Beta-Naphthoflavone.
Beta-Naphthoflavone is commonly used in scientific research to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes and study their effects on drug metabolism and toxicity. Researchers often rely on specific suppliers or distributors to procure high-quality Beta-Naphthoflavone for their experimental purposes. The transportation of this compound is carefully regulated to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for Beta-Naphthoflavone:
Beta-Naphthoflavone is a known inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in the metabolism of various drugs and xenobiotics in the body. As a result, co-exposure to Beta-Naphthoflavone and other drugs or chemicals may lead to altered metabolism and potential drug interactions. Additionally, Beta-Naphthoflavone has been shown to have genotoxic properties in certain cell types, raising concerns about its potential mutagenic effects. Therefore, caution should be exercised when working with Beta-Naphthoflavone to minimize potential risks to health and safety.
Hazard Statements for Beta-Naphthoflavone:
Beta-Naphthoflavone is classified as a hazardous substance due to its potential to cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. It is also considered harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, with potential effects on the respiratory system, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, Beta-Naphthoflavone has been identified as a possible carcinogen, with the potential to cause cancer in certain animal models. Therefore, appropriate precautions should be taken to minimize exposure and protect against potential adverse effects.
Precautionary Statements for Beta-Naphthoflavone:
When working with Beta-Naphthoflavone, it is recommended to wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, goggles, and a lab coat, to prevent skin and eye contact. Adequate ventilation should be ensured to minimize inhalation exposure, and work should be conducted in a fume hood if possible. It is important to handle Beta-Naphthoflavone with care and avoid ingestion, as well as to wash hands thoroughly after handling to prevent accidental exposure. Additionally, proper storage and disposal procedures should be followed to prevent environmental contamination and ensure safe handling of Beta-Naphthoflavone.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on Beta-Naphthoflavone, a synthetic flavonoid compound, has shown potential in a variety of fields including cancer research and drug metabolism studies. Some researchers are focusing on elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of Beta-Naphthoflavone, particularly its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Another promising research direction is investigating the impact of Beta-Naphthoflavone on drug metabolism pathways in the liver. It has been found to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a crucial role in the metabolism of many drugs. Understanding how Beta-Naphthoflavone influences drug metabolism could have implications for personalized medicine and drug development.
Additionally, some researchers are exploring the potential of Beta-Naphthoflavone as a chemopreventive agent. Studies have indicated that this compound may have antioxidant properties and could help protect cells from DNA damage and oxidative stress. Further research in this area could lead to the development of new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Beta-Naphthoflavone based on molecular structure is Aminoflavone. This compound contains a flavone backbone similar to Beta-Naphthoflavone, with the addition of an amino group. Aminoflavone has been studied for its potential anticancer effects due to its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Another compound structurally similar to Beta-Naphthoflavone is Chrysin. Chrysin is a flavone found in honey and propolis, and it has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Like Beta-Naphthoflavone, Chrysin contains a flavone backbone with hydroxyl groups, although it lacks the naphthalene ring structure.
Baicalein is another compound similar to Beta-Naphthoflavone in terms of molecular structure. Baicalein is a flavone found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. Similar to Beta-Naphthoflavone, Baicalein contains a flavone backbone and hydroxyl groups, and it has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
One more compound with a similar molecular structure to Beta-Naphthoflavone is Fisetin. Fisetin is a flavonol found in various fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries and apples. Like Beta-Naphthoflavone, Fisetin contains a flavone backbone with hydroxyl groups, although it belongs to a different subclass of flavonoids. Fisetin has been investigated for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects.
