1,2-Dioleoyl-rac-glycerol (CAS 2442-61-7)

1,2-Dioleoyl-rac-glycerol, also known as diolein, is a diacylglycerol (DAG) comprised of two oleic acid molecules esterified to the first and second hydroxyl groups of a glycerol backbone, with the third hydroxyl group remaining free. This molecular structure imparts unique amphiphilic properties to the compound, making it an important subject of study in the field of lipid chemistry and material science. As a diacylglycerol, 1,2-dioleoyl-rac-glycerol plays a crucial role in the research surrounding the physical properties of lipids, such as phase behavior, membrane fluidity, and micelle formation. Its two unsaturated fatty acid chains contribute to a lower melting point and greater fluidity compared to its saturated counterparts, which is essential for studies on lipid dynamics and interactions within bilayers or at interfaces. Research utilizing 1,2-dioleoyl-rac-glycerol often involves creating model membranes and liposomes to study lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions, providing insights into the structural and functional aspects of biological membranes. Additionally, its ability to form distinct lipid phases is exploited in studying the mechanisms of lipid-mediated signaling pathways and lipid organization, using techniques like fluorescence spectroscopy and electron microscopy to visualize these interactions and structures in detail. Through these applications, 1,2-dioleoyl-rac-glycerol serves as a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of lipid behavior in non-biological systems.