rac threo-9,10-Dihydroxystearic Acid (CAS 2391-05-1)

rac threo-9,10-Dihydroxystearic Acid, with the chemical identifier CAS 2391-05-1, is a synthetic dihydroxylated derivative of stearic acid, a saturated long-chain fatty acid. This compound is characterized by the presence of two hydroxyl groups at the 9th and 10th carbon positions in a threo configuration, which implies that the hydroxyl groups are on opposite sides of the carbon chain. This spatial arrangement significantly influences its chemical reactivity and interactions. In research, rac threo-9,10-Dihydroxystearic Acid is primarily used to study lipid chemistry and the physical properties of fatty acids in various environments. Its unique structure allows it to alter the packing and fluidity of lipid bilayers when incorporated into cell membranes or synthetic lipid models. This makes it an invaluable tool for probing the dynamics of lipid membranes, helping to explain how modifications in lipid structure can affect membrane properties such as permeability, phase transitions, and interactions with other biomolecules. Additionally, its hydroxyl groups make it a polar molecule, which is useful in the study of lipid solubility and transport mechanisms within different solvent systems. This compound also serves as a precursor or intermediate in the synthesis of more complex lipid structures used in material science and lipid-based technology applications, where understanding the interaction and behavior of lipid-like molecules is crucial.