1,2-Didodecanoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (CAS 18656-40-1)

1,2-Didodecanoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine is a synthetic phospholipid characterized by two dodecanoyl (lauric acid) chains attached to the first and second carbons of a glycerol molecule, with a phosphocholine group linked to the third carbon. This molecular structure provides a balance between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties, making it an excellent model for studying lipid bilayers and membrane dynamics. In research, this phospholipid is predominantly used to create artificial lipid membranes, which are crucial for understanding basic membrane properties such as fluidity, permeability, and phase transitions. The medium-chain fatty acids (dodecanoyl) in its structure allow for the examination of the effects of chain length and saturation on the physical properties of membranes. This is particularly important in studies focusing on membrane curvature and the interaction between different lipid species, where the relatively shorter chain length of the dodecanoyl group compared to longer fatty acids can significantly influence membrane behavior. Furthermore, 1,2-Didodecanoyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine is utilized in non-medical research to explore lipid-protein interactions, serving as a simplified model to dissect how proteins interact with lipid bilayers, affecting processes such as vesicle formation and lipid raft behavior. Through these applications, this chemical helps in advancing the fundamental understanding of lipid-mediated processes in various scientific fields, including biophysics and materials science.