Cholestero CAS：57-88-5
Fundamental for Hormone Biosynthesis: Cholesterol acts as a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, which are indispensable for regulating a range of critical physiological processes in the organism.
Precursor for Vitamin D Synthesis: It serves as a key biochemical precursor in the synthesis of vitamin D—a nutrient essential for preserving bone integrity and supporting normal immune system function.
Precursor to Bile Acid Formation: Through metabolic processes, cholesterol is converted into bile acids. These acids play a vital role in facilitating the emulsification and subsequent intestinal absorption of dietary lipids.
Ubiquitous Cellular Membrane Component: As a universally present constituent of cellular membranes, cholesterol contributes to maintaining the structural stability of membranes and modulates their fluidity to ensure proper cellular function.
1. Basic Overview & Physiological Significance
Cholesterol (CAS No. 57-88-5) is a sterol compound with a waxy texture, serving as an indispensable component of cellular membranes across all cell types. It is primarily synthesized endogenously in the liver, while also being obtainable through dietary intake. As a key lipid molecule, it acts as a vital precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids, thereby underpinning numerous essential physiological processes in organisms.
Core Physiological Roles
• Fundamental for Hormone Biosynthesis: Cholesterol acts as a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones, which are indispensable for regulating a range of critical physiological processes in the organism.
• Precursor for Vitamin D Synthesis: It serves as a key biochemical precursor in the synthesis of vitamin D—a nutrient essential for preserving bone integrity and supporting normal immune system function.
• Precursor to Bile Acid Formation: Through metabolic processes, cholesterol is converted into bile acids. These acids play a vital role in facilitating the emulsification and subsequent intestinal absorption of dietary lipids.
• Ubiquitous Cellular Membrane Component: As a universally present constituent of cellular membranes, cholesterol contributes to maintaining the structural stability of membranes and modulates their fluidity to ensure proper cellular function.
2. Product Applications
Cholesterol is widely utilized as a critical raw material in biochemical research scenarios, including studies on brain phospholipids, cholesterol flocculation tests, and the synthesis of vitamin D and steroid hormones. It also functions as a biochemical reagent and emulsifying agent in various industrial processes. Additionally, it holds significant value in pharmaceutical manufacturing—particularly in the production of artificial bezoar and hormone-based drugs—where it acts as an effective emulsifier in formulation systems.
3. Basic Chemical Properties
Parameter | Specification |
Melting point | 148-150 °C |
Specific rotation (alpha) | -36 º (c=2, dioxane) |
Boiling point | 360 °C |
Density | 1.06 |
Refractive index | 1.5250 (estimate) |
Flash point (Fp) | 250 °C |
Storage temperature | -20°C |
Solubility | H2O: 0.002 mg/mL; negligible water solubility |
Physical form | White powder |
pKa | 15.03±0.70 (Predicted) |
Specific Gravity | 1.067 |
Odor | Almost odorless; appears as white or faintly yellow pearly granules/crystals |
Biological source | Synthetic |
Optical Rotation | -40.201° (C=0.01g/ml CHCL3) |
Merck index | 14,2201 |
BRN number | 1915888 |
Dielectric constant | 2.9（Ambient） |
InChIKey | HVYWMOMLDIMFJA-DPAQBDIFSA-N |
LogP | 9.619 (est) |
CAS DataBase Reference | 57-88-5 |
NIST Chemistry Reference | Cholesterol (57-88-5) |
IARC Classification | 3 (Vol. 31, Sup 7) 1987 |
EPA Substance Registry | Cholesterol (57-88-5) |
4. Safety & Toxicity Information
• Hazard Codes: Xn, Xi
• Risk Statements: 10-48/20/22-40-38-22-36/37/38-67-36/38-20-63
• Safety Statements: 24/25-22-36/37-36-26
• RIDADR: UN 1170 3/PG 3
• WGK Germany: 1
• RTECS number: FZ8400000
• TSCA listing: Yes
• HS Code: 2906 13 10
• Hazard Class: IRRITANT
• Hazardous Substances Data: 57-88-5
• Toxicity Note: Cholesterol is present in all animal tissues, with higher concentrations in the spinal cord, brain, skin secretions, and gallstones. As an unsaturated, unsaponifiable alcohol, it is synthesized in the body from acetate units and regulated by specific enzymes. It is the parent compound of numerous steroids, and elevated blood concentrations are suspected to be a contributing factor to cardiovascular diseases.
