Curcumin
IUPAC: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione
| Formula / Notation | C21H20O6 |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 458-37-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 368.4 |
| Melting Point | 356 to 361 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.9348 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble (hot) (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Curcumin appears as orange-yellow needles. (NTP, 1992) |
| Also Known As | (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione; 458-37-7; Diferuloylmethane; Natural yellow 3; Kacha haldi; Curcumin I; Curcuma; Haldar; Indian saffron; Gelbwurz |
| Category | Organic Compounds |
What is Curcumin?
Curcumin is a beta-diketone that is methane in which two of the hydrogens are substituted by feruloyl groups. A natural dyestuff found in the root of Curcuma longa. It has a role as a geroprotector, a metabolite, a biological pigment, an antineoplastic agent, a flavouring agent, an antifungal agent, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a dye, an iron chelator, an EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor, a radical scavenger, a contraceptive drug, an EC 1.6.5.2 [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor, a nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, a ligand, an EC 1.1.1.205 (IMP dehydrogenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, a hepatoprotective agent, a neuroprotective agent, an EC 1.8.1.9 (thioredoxin reductase) inhibitor, an anti-inflammatory agent, an EC 2.7.10.2 (non-specific protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor, a food colouring and an EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. It is a polyphenol, an aromatic ether, an enone, a beta-diketone and a diarylheptanoid. It is functionally related to a trans-ferulic acid.
Formula & Notation
IUPAC Name: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione
Other Names / Synonyms: (1E,6E)-1,7-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)hepta-1,6-diene-3,5-dione; 458-37-7; Diferuloylmethane; Natural yellow 3; Kacha haldi; Curcumin I; Curcuma; Haldar; Indian saffron; Gelbwurz
Properties & Characteristics
Physical Data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 356 to 361 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Density | 0.9348 at 59 °F (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float |
| Molecular Weight | 368.4 |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble (hot) (NTP, 1992) |
| Appearance | Curcumin appears as orange-yellow needles. (NTP, 1992) |
Uses & Applications
Safety Information
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Curcumin is a beta-diketone that is methane in which two of the hydrogens are substituted by feruloyl groups. A natural dyestuff found in the root of Curcuma longa. It has a role as a geroprotector, a metabolite, a biological pigment, an antineoplastic agent, a flavouring agent, an antifungal agent, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, a dye, an iron chelator, an EC 1.1.1.21 (aldehyde reductase) inhibitor, a radical scavenger, a contraceptive drug, an EC 1.6.5.2 [NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone)] inhibitor, a nutraceutical, an immunomodulator, a ligand, an EC 1.1.1.205 (IMP dehydrogenase) inhibitor, an EC 3.5.1.98 (histone deacetylase) inhibitor, a hepatoprotective agent, a neuroprotective agent, an EC 1.8.1.9 (thioredoxin reductase) inhibitor, an anti-inflammatory agent, an EC 2.7.10.2 (non-specific protein-tyrosine kinase) inhibitor, a food colouring and an EC 1.1.1.25 (shikimate dehydrogenase) inhibitor. It is a polyphenol, an aromatic ether, an enone, a beta-diketone and a diarylheptanoid. It is functionally related to a trans-ferulic acid.
Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.
Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.
The formula or notation for Curcumin is: C21H20O6