TIGLIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Tiglic acid, also known as angelic acid, is a naturally occurring unsaturated organic compound with the chemical formula C5H8O2. It is classified as a carboxylic acid due to the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH) in its structure.
Tiglic acid is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that is soluble in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. It has a distinct strong and pungent odor. It is primarily found in various plant sources, including croton oil, the sap of the Atractylis gummifera plant, and the leaves of certain species of peas and clovers.
In terms of its chemical properties, tiglic acid is an alpha,beta-unsaturated carboxylic acid, meaning it contains a double bond between the alpha and beta carbon atoms adjacent to the carboxyl group. It undergoes typical reactions of carboxylic acids, such as esterification, oxidation, and decarboxylation.
Tiglic acid has several applications in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It is used as a starting material for the synthesis of various pharmaceutical products, including antiviral and anticancer agents. It is also employed as a flavoring agent and fragrance in perfumes and cosmetics.
In conclusion, tiglic acid is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid found in plants, possessing a strong odor and versatile chemical characteristics. It finds utility in pharmaceutical synthesis as well as in the creation of fragrances and flavors.
Etymology of TIGLIC ACID
The word "tiglic acid" derives from the plant from which it was initially obtained, called croton (Croton tiglium). This plant is native to Southeast Asia and India and has been historically used in traditional medicine for various purposes. The term "tiglic" comes from an alteration of "tiglium", which refers to the species name of the croton plant. "Tiglic acid" was named after its discovery in the croton plant, where it was first isolated and characterized by chemists.
