N-Methylputrescine is a naturally occurring compound found in various foods, including seafood, cheese, and fermented products. Despite its relatively obscure name, this substance plays a crucial role in everyday life as it has been linked to the formation of potentially toxic compounds known as biogenic amines in food products. These amines can have adverse effects on human health if consumed in large quantities, making the study and regulation of N-Methylputrescine essential in food safety and quality control measures. Additionally, N-Methylputrescine has been identified as a potential biomarker for certain diseases, highlighting its significance in the field of medical research and diagnostics.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
N-Methylputrescine, a compound belonging to the polyamine class, exhibits potential applications in various commercial and industrial settings. Its antimicrobial properties make it a promising candidate for use as a preservative in cosmetic products, while its ability to act as a chelating agent could find applications in the food and beverage industry for enhancing product stability and shelf life.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, N-Methylputrescine has garnered attention for its potential role in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that this compound can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may have cytotoxic effects, making it a subject of interest for further research in the development of novel anticancer therapies. Additionally, its interactions with specific cellular proteins have raised the possibility of using N-Methylputrescine as a targeted therapy for certain types of cancer.
Overall, the dual nature of N-Methylputrescine as a versatile compound with both commercial and medicinal potential underscores its significance in various industries. Its unique properties offer a range of opportunities for innovation and advancement in fields such as cosmetics, food science, pharmaceuticals, and cancer research. Further exploration of its applications holds promise for addressing diverse challenges and advancing scientific knowledge in the pursuit of improved products and therapies.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
N-Methylputrescine is a colorless liquid with a fishy odor, commonly found in decaying animal tissues. Its unpleasant smell is often associated with its presence in rotting fish or other spoiled food products.
N-Methylputrescine has a molar mass of 104.20 g/mol and a density of 0.762 g/cm³. Compared to common food items, such as water (18.02 g/mol, 1 g/cm³) and olive oil (283.47 g/mol, 0.92 g/cm³), N-Methylputrescine falls in between in terms of molar mass and density.
The melting point of N-Methylputrescine is approximately -25°C, while the boiling point is around 157°C. In comparison to common food items like sugar (melting point 186°C) and water (boiling point 100°C), N-Methylputrescine has lower melting and boiling points.
N-Methylputrescine is soluble in water and has a relatively low viscosity. It dissolves easily in polar solvents due to its polar nature. When compared to common food items like salt (insoluble in cold water) and honey (viscous liquid), N-Methylputrescine exhibits different solubility and viscosity properties.
🏭 Production & Procurement
N-Methylputrescine is produced through various methods, including chemical synthesis in laboratories and biotechnological approaches using bacterial strains. The chemical synthesis involves the reaction of putrescine with methylating agents, while biotechnological methods utilize genetically engineered microbes to produce N-Methylputrescine.
N-Methylputrescine can be procured commercially from chemical suppliers that specialize in organic compounds. The compound is typically available in liquid form or as a powder, packaged in appropriate containers to ensure safe transport and storage. It can be transported globally via standard shipping methods, adhering to regulations set forth by international governing bodies.
Researchers and industries seeking N-Methylputrescine for scientific or industrial purposes can procure the compound through authorized vendors with proper documentation and licenses. Quality control measures such as purity testing and certification should be taken into consideration when procuring N-Methylputrescine to ensure its suitability for specific applications. Furthermore, proper handling and storage guidelines should be followed to maintain the compound’s integrity during transport and storage.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for N-Methylputrescine must be taken seriously due to its potential hazards. It is important to handle this chemical with care, as it can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact. Ingestion or inhalation of N-Methylputrescine can lead to serious health effects, including respiratory issues and gastrointestinal disturbances. Proper personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when working with this compound to minimize the risk of exposure.
Hazard statements for N-Methylputrescine include “Causes skin and eye irritation” and “Harmful if swallowed or inhaled.” These statements highlight the potential dangers associated with this chemical and emphasize the importance of taking necessary precautions when handling it. It is crucial to follow proper safety protocols and guidelines to prevent any adverse effects on health or the environment.
Precautionary statements for N-Methylputrescine include “Wear protective gloves and eye protection” and “Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray.” These statements outline specific measures that should be taken to reduce the risk of exposure and minimize potential harm. It is essential to follow these precautions to ensure safe handling of N-Methylputrescine and to protect oneself and others from any potential hazards.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Research on N-Methylputrescine is still in its early stages, but there are several potential directions that could be explored in the future. One area of interest is its potential role in biological processes, such as its possible function as a neurotransmitter or neuromodulator. Studies investigating its interactions with other molecules in the body could provide valuable insights into its physiological significance.
Another potential research direction for N-Methylputrescine is its potential role in disease pathology. Investigating its levels in various disease states and its impact on cellular function could lead to a better understanding of its involvement in the development and progression of certain conditions. Additionally, exploring the potential therapeutic applications of N-Methylputrescine could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases.
Furthermore, research could focus on the synthesis and characterization of N-Methylputrescine analogues to explore their potential biological activities. By studying the structure-activity relationships of these analogues, researchers could gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of N-Methylputrescine and potentially discover new compounds with enhanced efficacy or selectivity. Overall, further research on N-Methylputrescine has the potential to uncover new insights into its biological functions and potential applications in medicine.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to N-Methylputrescine is N,N-Dimethylputrescine. This compound differs from N-Methylputrescine by the addition of an extra methyl group on the nitrogen atom. N,N-Dimethylputrescine shares similar biological properties as N-Methylputrescine due to their structural similarity.
Another similar compound to N-Methylputrescine is S-Methylputrescine. In this compound, the methyl group is attached to the sulfur atom instead of the nitrogen atom. This difference in attachment results in distinct chemical and biological properties compared to N-Methylputrescine.
Additionally, N,N-Dimethylspermine is a compound closely related to N-Methylputrescine. This molecule contains two methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atoms in a spermine structure. N,N-Dimethylspermine exhibits different biological activities compared to N-Methylputrescine due to its unique structural features.
