1-O-Hexyl-rac-glycerol (CAS 10305-38-1)

1-O-Hexyl-rac-glycerol is a glycerol derivative characterized by the presence of a hexyl group at the sn-1 position, making it a versatile molecule for studying lipid metabolism and enzymatic activity. Its structure as a monoacylglycerol allows it to serve as a substrate for various enzymes, such as monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), which plays a significant role in fatty acid metabolism. This compound provides a valuable tool for investigating the activity, specificity, and regulatory mechanisms of lipases involved in the breakdown of monoacylglycerols. In addition to exploring lipase activity, researchers utilize 1-O-Hexyl-rac-glycerol to understand the biochemical pathways underlying lipid synthesis and degradation. It offers insight into the interactions between enzymes and substrates, revealing the molecular dynamics of lipid processing and the influence of structural variations on enzymatic efficiency. Moreover, the compound′s amphiphilic nature allows it to be integrated into lipid bilayers, where it can be used to study membrane organization, protein-lipid interactions, and lipid raft dynamics. The research surrounding 1-O-Hexyl-rac-glycerol enriches our understanding of lipid biochemistry, offering a glimpse into the regulation of lipid signaling pathways and the role of monoacylglycerols in cellular processes like inflammation and metabolism.