Indole-3-carboxaldehyde

Indole-3-carboxaldehyde (also known as I3A or 3-formylindole) is a naturally occurring organic compound that is found in various plant species. It is a derivative of the heterocyclic compound indole, and is characterized by a carboxaldehyde functional group attached to the third carbon of the indole ring.

Structure and Properties

Indole-3-carboxaldehyde is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a characteristic, slightly sweet odor. It has a molecular formula of C9H7NO and a molecular weight of 145.16 g/mol. The compound is soluble in water, alcohol, and most organic solvents.

The structure of indole-3-carboxaldehyde consists of a six-membered benzene ring fused to a five-membered pyrrole ring, which is characteristic of all indoles. The carboxaldehyde functional group is attached to the third carbon of the indole ring, which gives the compound its name.

Biological Significance

Indole-3-carboxaldehyde has been found to play a significant role in various biological processes. It is a precursor to the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which is involved in the regulation of plant growth and development.

In addition, indole-3-carboxaldehyde has been found to exhibit antimicrobial activity, and is involved in the defense mechanisms of certain plant species against pathogens. It is also a potential signaling molecule in plant-microbe interactions.

Health Effects

While the health effects of indole-3-carboxaldehyde in humans are not fully understood, some studies suggest that it may have potential therapeutic applications. For example, it has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may therefore be beneficial in the treatment of certain inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions.

However, further research is needed to fully understand the health effects of indole-3-carboxaldehyde and its potential therapeutic applications.

See Also

• Indole
• Indole-3-acetic acid
• Carboxaldehyde
• Organic compound