1-Decanoyl-rac-glycerol (CAS 26402-22-2)

1-Decanoyl-rac-glycerol, commonly known as monoacylglycerol (MAG) with a decanoyl fatty acid chain, is a molecular entity extensively utilized in research, particularly in the study of lipid metabolism and the structure and function of biological membranes. This molecule, featuring a glycerol backbone esterified at one of its hydroxyl groups with a decanoic acid (capric acid), serves as a simplified model to understand the interactions and dynamics of lipids in cellular environments. In biochemical research, 1-Decanoyl-rac-glycerol is instrumental in examining the role of monoacylglycerols in the assembly and stability of lipid bilayers and micelles. Its behavior in aqueous solutions provides insights into the physicochemical properties of lipids, such as critical micelle concentration and the thermodynamics of micelle formation. Furthermore, studies involving 1-Decanoyl-rac-glycerol have helped explain mechanisms of lipid signaling and the modulation of membrane-bound enzymes and receptor activities. In nutritional sciences, it aids in the exploration of how different fatty acid chains affect the physical properties of fats and their interactions within food matrices, thereby influencing food texture and stability. By studying such monoacylglycerols, researchers can better understand lipid behavior in non-biological systems, contributing to advancements in materials science, such as in the development of bio-compatible lubricants and targeted delivery systems in non-medical applications.