(cis-9)-2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-octadecenoic Acid

(cis-9)-2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-octadecenoic Acid is a chemically intriguing fatty acid characterized by its unique structure which includes a cis-9 double bond and a hydroxyl group attached to a methylated second carbon. This specific configuration imparts distinctive physical and chemical properties to the molecule, such as altered hydrophilicity and an increased reactivity compared to its non-hydroxylated counterparts. In research, this compound is of particular interest in the study of lipid membranes and their analogs, due to its potential to influence membrane fluidity and permeability. Researchers utilize this molecule to explore the dynamics of lipid layers and to understand how modifications in lipid structure can impact the behavior and stability of cellular membranes in model systems. Furthermore, the presence of both a double bond and a hydroxyl group makes (cis-9)-2-Hydroxy-2-methyl-octadecenoic Acid a valuable tool in synthetic chemistry, where it is used to study reactions that are sensitive to molecular geometry and the presence of functional groups. The compound′s ability to participate in various organic transformations, including esterification and oxidation reactions, also makes it a subject of interest in the synthesis of more complex organic molecules and potentially in the development of bio-based materials.