Tag: Organic solvents

According to the National Institutes of Health, lipids are fatty, oily, or waxy compounds that are insoluble in polar solvents like water but soluble in organic solvents. This unique characteristic, known as hydrophobicity, is the single unifying property that defines this diverse group of biomolecules, including fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.

Over 90% of cellular glutathione exists in its reduced form (GSH), highlighting its importance within the cell. So, what is glutathione soluble in, and what chemical factors influence its dissolution in different solvents?

According to the National Institutes of Health, all lipids are defined by their key physical characteristic of being hydrophobic, or 'water-fearing'. This insolubility in polar solvents, and conversely, solubility in nonpolar organic solvents, is the universal property that describes all lipids, from simple fats to complex cell membrane components.

Heptane, a hydrocarbon comprised of seven carbon atoms ($C_7H_{16}$), is a colorless, volatile liquid with a petrol-like odor that plays a crucial role in both industry and our understanding of fuel standards. It serves as the zero-point reference on the octane rating scale, defining the quality of gasoline.

Over 20,000 different alkaloids have been identified in more than 300 plant families, and a key chemical property for their extraction and purification is their solubility. The answer to what alkaloids freely soluble in depends entirely on their chemical state and the polarity of the solvent used, with free-base alkaloids showing high solubility in organic solvents but poor solubility in water.

Although widely recognized as a water-soluble vitamin, biotin exhibits low solubility in water at neutral pH, leading to difficulties in creating concentrated solutions. Mastering how to dissolve biotin is essential for its use in supplements, cosmetic formulations, and biochemical applications, requiring a clear understanding of its chemical properties.

While pure anhydrous ethanol is not highly corrosive to iron, research shows that impurities like water and chlorides can significantly increase the rate of corrosion. The question, "does iron react with alcohol?", is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, depending largely on the alcohol's purity and environmental factors.

As a fat-soluble vitamin, vitamin K1, also known as phylloquinone, is known to be insoluble in water but readily dissolves in a variety of organic solvents and lipids. This critical chemical property explains why consuming vitamin K1-rich foods, such as leafy greens, alongside dietary fats can significantly improve its absorption in the body. The characteristic insolubility in water is a defining feature of all fat-soluble vitamins, including K, A, D, and E.