1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methylchrysene

Description

1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methylchrysene is a complex organic molecule with a specific structure. This structure is what makes it significant for research. Here's a breakdown:

**Structure and Chemical Properties:**

* **Chrysene Base:** This molecule is derived from chrysene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with four fused benzene rings.
* **Epoxy Group:** The epoxy part refers to an epoxide group (a three-membered ring containing an oxygen atom), which is located at positions 3 and 4 of the molecule.
* **Dihydroxy Groups:** The dihydroxy part signifies two hydroxyl groups (-OH) attached at positions 1 and 2 of the molecule.
* **Tetrahydro:** This indicates four hydrogen atoms have been added to the chrysene backbone, saturating the double bonds in those positions.
* **Methyl Group:** The 6-methyl indicates a methyl group (CH3) is attached to the sixth carbon atom of the chrysene ring.

**Importance in Research:**

This molecule's importance in research stems from its connection to **carcinogenesis (cancer development)**:

* **Metabolic Intermediate:** 1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methylchrysene is a key metabolic intermediate in the breakdown of 6-methylchrysene, a known carcinogen found in environmental pollutants like coal tar and cigarette smoke.
* **DNA Adducts:** This molecule is highly reactive and can form DNA adducts, which are covalently bound to DNA. These adducts can disrupt normal DNA function and lead to mutations, which are a critical step in cancer development.
* **Carcinogenesis Studies:** Researchers study this compound and its derivatives to understand the mechanisms of carcinogenesis. By analyzing the interactions of these compounds with DNA and understanding their metabolic pathways, scientists can develop strategies for preventing and treating cancer.

**Other Research Applications:**

While its primary significance lies in cancer research, this molecule might also be relevant in:

* **Environmental Toxicology:** Understanding its formation and fate in the environment can help assess the risk of exposure to carcinogenic PAHs.
* **Drug Development:** The specific structure and reactivity of this molecule might serve as a template for designing new drugs that target DNA repair mechanisms or cancer cell growth.

**Important Note:**

The chemical structure of this molecule is complex, and understanding its biological activity requires specialized knowledge in chemistry, biochemistry, and toxicology.

1,2-dihydroxy-3,4-epoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-methylchrysene: structure given in first source; RN not in Chemline 1/87 [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]