Methyl 11-methyldodecanoate (CAS 5129-57-7)

Methyl 11-methyldodecanoate is a branched-chain fatty acid methyl ester that has been studied for its unique structural properties and effects on lipid metabolism and membrane dynamics. This compound, characterized by a methyl group at the 11th carbon, is integrated into lipid bilayers, influencing their fluidity and phase behavior. Research has shown that the incorporation of methyl 11-methyldodecanoate into cellular membranes can alter the organization and function of membrane-associated proteins, including enzymes, receptors, and transporters. These changes can impact various cellular processes such as signal transduction, membrane transport, and metabolic regulation. In metabolic studies, methyl 11-methyldodecanoate serves as a substrate to investigate the activity and specificity of enzymes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and modification, such as elongases and desaturases. Its branched structure provides valuable insights into the enzymatic mechanisms and regulatory pathways that control the synthesis and modification of branched-chain fatty acids. Additionally, this compound serves as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), for the identification and quantification of branched-chain fatty acids in complex biological samples. Overall, methyl 11-methyldodecanoate is a crucial tool in lipidomics, enhancing our understanding of lipid metabolism, membrane structure, and the functional roles of branched-chain fatty acids in biological systems.