trans-9-Octadecenyl Phosphocholine (CAS 137052-40-5)

Trans-9-Octadecenyl phosphocholine, identified by CAS number 137052-40-5, is a phospholipid analog well-regarded in research circles for its structural similarity to naturally occurring phosphocholine components of cell membranes. This chemical features a trans-9-octadecenyl (oleyl) chain linked to a phosphocholine group, making it an essential tool in the study of lipid bilayer dynamics and membrane-associated phenomena. The unique configuration of the oleyl chain with a trans double bond significantly impacts the packing and fluidity of lipid membranes, which is a crucial factor in understanding membrane permeability and the mechanisms of lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions. Researchers utilize trans-9-Octadecenyl phosphocholine primarily in the synthesis of model membranes for biophysical studies, where the subtle variations from naturally occurring phosphocholines can explain the role of specific lipid structures in membrane function. Moreover, the compound′s incorporation into synthetic lipid layers has provided insights into the role of unsaturated fatty acid chains in modulating membrane properties. This has been particularly useful in the study of how changes in membrane composition can affect the behavior of membrane proteins and the overall physicochemical properties of membranes, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of cellular processes at the molecular level.