IUPAC Name
N-ethyl-2,3-bis(icosanoyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-aminium iodide
Chemical Formula
C₄₈H₁₀₀INO₄
Molecular Weight
930
Form
Solid
SMILES
O=C(CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)OC(C[N+](C)(CC)C)COC(CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)=O.[I-]
N-ethyl-2,3-bis(icosanoyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-1-aminium iodide is a cationic amphiphilic lipid consisting of a glycerol backbone with two saturated C20 fatty acid tails and a quaternary ammonium headgroup (ethyl-dimethylammonium) balanced by iodide. It forms rigid, stable bilayers suitable for liposome and nanoparticle applications, with higher thermal stability and lower fluidity than unsaturated analogs.
It forms cationic liposomes or bilayers that can encapsulate DNA/RNA or hydrophobic drugs. Positively charged headgroups interact electrostatically with negatively charged biomolecules or membranes. The ethyl substituent on nitrogen makes it slightly more hydrophobic and changes packing behavior compared to trimethyl analogs (e.g., DOTAP).The iodide counterion can be exchanged for chloride or other anions if desired.
