Phenylcinchoninic acid is a chemical compound with a complex spelling. It is pronounced /ˈfɛnɪlˌsɪŋkəˈnɪnɪk ˈæsɪd/ using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word consists of three parts: "phenyl," "cinchoninic," and "acid." "Phenyl" refers to a type of organic compound, while "cinchoninic" describes the molecular structure. "Acid" denotes the compound's chemical properties. The spelling of phenylcinchoninic acid reflects the compound's intricate molecular structure and its scientific significance as a key component in various medical and industrial applications.
Phenylcinchoninic acid is a chemical compound commonly referred to as PCA. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as phenylpropanoic acids, which are carboxylic acids containing a phenyl group attached to a propanoic acid backbone. PCA is characterized by its structure consisting of a phenyl ring attached to a propanoic acid moiety. It has a molecular formula of C16H11NO3 and a molecular weight of 273.26 grams per mole.
Phenylcinchoninic acid is primarily used as a derivatizing agent in analytical chemistry. It has the ability to form stable complexes with certain metal ions, such as manganese, iron, and copper. Thus, it is employed in the quantification and detection of these metals in environmental samples, food, and biological matrices.
The compound also finds applications in the determination of chiral compounds. With its unique structure, PCA can act as a chiral resolving agent, enabling the separation of enantiomers in a mixture. This property is particularly useful in pharmaceutical research and development, as it aids in the analysis and purification of chiral drugs.
Phenylcinchoninic acid is a white to light yellow crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It should be handled with care, as it may cause skin and eye irritation.
Acidum phenylcinchoninicum (U.S.), atophan.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "phenylcinchoninic acid" can be broken down as follows:
1. Phenyl: The term "phenyl" refers to a chemical group derived from benzene, consisting of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring with a hydrogen atom attached to each carbon atom.
2. Cinchoninic: This term is derived from "cinchonine", which is an alkaloid found in the bark of the cinchona tree. Cinchona bark has long been used for medicinal purposes, particularly in the treatment of malaria. The alkaloid cinchonine was named after the Countess of Chinchón, the wife of a Spanish viceroy in Peru, who was supposedly cured of malaria by using the bark of the cinchona tree.