2-Nitrophenyl stearate (CAS 104809-27-0)

2-Nitrophenyl stearate is an ester of stearic acid and 2-nitrophenol, widely utilized in biochemical research to study the activity of lipases and esterases. This compound serves as a chromogenic substrate, meaning it releases a colored product, 2-nitrophenol, upon enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolysis reaction can be monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring the absorbance of 2-nitrophenol at 405 nm, allowing researchers to quantify enzyme activity with high precision. In enzymatic studies, 2-nitrophenyl stearate is employed to characterize the kinetic properties and substrate specificities of lipases and esterases. Researchers use this compound to investigate how different conditions, such as pH, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors or activators, affect enzyme activity. This information is crucial for understanding the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes and their roles in lipid metabolism. Additionally, 2-nitrophenyl stearate is used in high-throughput screening assays to identify and evaluate potential inhibitors of lipases and esterases. These assays help in discovering new enzyme inhibitors that could be used as biochemical tools or in industrial applications. The compound is also valuable for studying the biophysical properties of lipid membranes and their interactions with proteins, providing insights into membrane dynamics and lipid-protein interactions. Overall, 2-nitrophenyl stearate is a fundamental tool in biochemical research, advancing our understanding of enzyme kinetics, mechanisms, and lipid metabolism.