rac-3-Hexadecanamido-2-methoxypropan-1-ol Phosphocholine, Monohydrate

Rac-3-Hexadecanamido-2-methoxypropan-1-ol Phosphocholine Monohydrate is a specialized synthetic analogue of naturally occurring phospholipids, particularly instrumental in the detailed study of membrane biophysics and lipid interactions. This molecule, by incorporating both methoxy and hexadecanamido groups, offers a unique structure that mimics certain aspects of cell membrane phospholipids, thereby providing valuable insights into membrane architecture and dynamics. The ′rac′ prefix indicates a racemic mixture, consisting of both enantiomeric forms of the molecule, which allows researchers to investigate the stereochemical effects on lipid bilayer properties. This compound is typically utilized in creating model membranes, which are essential for studying the fundamental properties of lipid bilayers such as fluidity, phase behavior, and permeability under controlled experimental conditions. The methoxy group in the molecule influences the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, thereby affecting how this lipid analog integrates and interacts within lipid layers. By employing rac-3-Hexadecanamido-2-methoxypropan-1-ol Phosphocholine Monohydrate in various experimental setups, researchers can delve into the mechanisms by which lipid composition and stereochemistry affect the physical properties of membranes, including their interaction with proteins and the formation of lipid domains or rafts, which are critical for understanding membrane functionality at a molecular level.