Veratric acid is a compound found in plants such as the Japanese knotweed. Its name may seem difficult to pronounce and spell. However, the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help. Veratric is pronounced /vɛˈrætrɪk/ (vuh-RAT-rik) and acid is pronounced /ˈæsɪd/ (ASS-id). So, the correct pronunciation for veratric acid is /vɛˈrætrɪk ˈæsɪd/ (vuh-RAT-rik ASS-id). Knowing how to pronounce and spell complex chemical names is essential in the field of chemistry.
Veratric acid is a naturally occurring organic compound, classified as a derivative of benzoic acid. It is chemically known as 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic acid and has a molecular formula C9H10O4. Veratric acid is commonly found in several plant species belonging to the Veratrum genus, including Veratrum album (white hellebore) and Veratrum viride (green false hellebore).
In terms of its physical properties, veratric acid appears as a white crystalline solid with a slight odor. It is sparingly soluble in water but dissolves readily in organic solvents like ethanol and ether. Veratric acid possesses a melting point of approximately 193-195 degrees Celsius.
This compound has attracted scientific interest due to its diverse biological activities and potential pharmacological applications. It displays antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce free radical damage in cells. Veratric acid has also been studied for its antimicrobial activity, inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
In addition, veratric acid has shown promise for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, making it a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic agents. It has been investigated for its role in pain management and its ability to reduce inflammation associated with various conditions.
Overall, veratric acid is a naturally occurring compound with multiple biological activities and potential applications in the fields of medicine and pharmaceutical research.
An acid, C9H10O4, present in sabadilla; it occurs in the form of prismatic crystals soluble in alcohol and hot water; with bases it forms salts, called veratrates.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "veratric acid" has its etymology rooted in the plant genus "Veratrum" and the suffix "-ic acid".
"Veratrum" refers to a genus of poisonous plants known as false hellebores, which belong to the family Melanthiaceae. The name "Veratrum" has its origins in Latin, derived from the word "verus" meaning "true", alluding to the plants' ability to mimic the appearance of true hellebores.
The term "acid" in "veratric acid" is a common suffix used in chemistry to indicate a specific type of chemical compound. In this case, the name "veratric acid" describes the compound formed from the "Veratrum" plant.