Saligenin is a chemical compound used in the pharmaceutical industry, with the molecular formula C7H8O2. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /sælɪˈdʒɛnɪn/. The initial "s" is pronounced as an unvoiced "s" sound, followed by a short "a" sound, then an "L" sound pronounced as "long L". The stress is on the second syllable, making the "g" sound a "soft g". The final syllable is pronounced as "ih-nin". The spelling of saligenin is derived from its chemical structure and is commonly used in scientific literature.
Saligenin is a chemical compound that belongs to the phenolic family of compounds. Also known as 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, it is derived from salicyl alcohol through the process of reduction. Saligenin is a colorless crystalline solid at room temperature with a distinctive sweet odor. It has a molecular formula of C7H8O2 and a molecular weight of 124.14 g/mol.
In terms of its applications, saligenin is commonly used in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical drugs, particularly nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin. It serves as an intermediate in the production of salicylic acid, which is a precursor for the synthesis of aspirin. Saligenin may also be utilized in the manufacturing of other compounds used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
From a biological perspective, saligenin possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. It modulates the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are lipid compounds that play a role in regulating inflammation, pain, and fever in the body. By inhibiting specific enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis, saligenin helps reduce inflammation and alleviate pain and fever symptoms.
While primarily known for its pharmaceutical applications, saligenin also exhibits potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These characteristics make it a valuable compound for researchers investigating new drug discovery and development, as well as for those interested in exploring its potential therapeutic benefits in various health conditions.
Salicylic alcohol, occurs in the form of small white crystals soluble in water and alcohol; has properties similar to those of salicin and the salicylates in doses of gr. 3-10 (0.18-0.6).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "saligenin" is derived from the combination of two words: "salicin" and "genin". "Salicin" refers to a natural chemical compound found in various species of willow trees (genus Salix) and has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, especially for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It was originally isolated from willow bark by the Italian pharmacist Raffaele Piria in 1838. The term "genin" is a common suffix indicating the presence of a specific chemical compound or functional group. Therefore, "saligenin" can be understood as the "genin" derivative of "salicin", indicating a compound or structure derived from salicin.