1-O-Palmityl-2-acetyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine (CAS 77286-68-1)

1-O-Palmityl-2-acetyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine, a specialized phospholipid, serves as an important tool in the study of lipid membranes and their biophysical properties. This molecule, featuring a glycerol backbone with palmitic acid esterified at the first position, acetic acid at the second, and phosphocholine at the third, provides a unique mix of hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties. The structural arrangement, particularly the saturated palmitic acid combined with the smaller acetyl group, creates a distinctive environment for studying how variations in lipid tail saturation and headgroup composition affect membrane dynamics. This phospholipid is crucial in research for simulating the characteristics of biological membranes, enabling scientists to delve into the effects of lipid composition on critical aspects such as membrane fluidity, phase transitions, and the membrane′s capacity for protein interaction. Studies utilizing this chemical focus on how these factors influence the overall behavior of lipid bilayers, including their structural organization and stability under different conditions. By providing insights into the fundamental interactions within membrane layers, 1-O-Palmityl-2-acetyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine aids in advancing understanding of membrane-associated processes in non-medical contexts, contributing significantly to fields like material science and nanotechnology, where membrane mimetics are increasingly applied.