Methyl pristanate (CAS 1001-80-5)

Methyl pristanate, registered under the CAS number 1001-80-5, is the methyl ester of pristanic acid, a branched-chain fatty acid derived from phytol, an acyclic diterpene alcohol. Notably, pristanic acid itself is a metabolite of phytanic acid, another branched-chain fatty acid, through the process of alpha-oxidation. Methyl pristanate, due to its methyl ester group, exhibits different solubility and reactivity characteristics compared to its parent acid. This compound is particularly significant in research focused on the biophysical properties of fatty acids and their derivatives. Its branched structure influences the way it interacts with and integrates into lipid bilayers, affecting membrane fluidity and permeability. These properties make methyl pristanate a valuable tool in studying membrane dynamics and the effects of branched-chain fatty acids on cellular lipid compositions. In the realm of synthetic organic chemistry, methyl pristanate is utilized as a building block for complex molecule synthesis, serving as a precursor in the synthesis of various bioactive molecules and polymers. Its unique structure also facilitates the study of oxidative stability and reaction kinetics in branched-chain fatty esters, providing insights into their degradation mechanisms and potential industrial applications, such as in biodegradable materials and specialty lubricants.