IUPAC Name
3-(dimethylamino)propane-1,2-diyl bis(icosanoate)
Chemical Formula
C₄₆H₉₁NO₄
Molecular Weight
722
Form
Solid
SMILES
O=C(OCC(CN(C)C)OC(CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC)=O)CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
AAPharmaSyn Stock ID
00037
3-(Dimethylamino)propane-1,2-diyl bis(icosanoate) is a synthetic cationic lipid composed of a glycerol-like backbone, a tertiary amine headgroup, and two long saturated fatty acyl chains (C20 each, derived from icosanoic acid). This amphiphilic structure allows it to form bilayers, liposomes, or lipid nanoparticles, making it valuable in biomembrane research, gene delivery, and nanocarrier formulations. The protonated amine allows electrostatic binding to negatively charged DNA or RNA, forming lipoplexes for transfection or nanocarrier systems. It mimics the behavior of natural phospholipids with a cationic headgroup, forms lamellar phases or liposomes, though with high melting points and relatively rigid bilayers and acts as a cationic surfactant, aiding in emulsion stabilization or nanoparticle coating.
