title: Absolute configuration of dolichol.
abstract: A derivative of dolichol was formed and then chemically degraded to a small fragment containing the sole centre of asymmetry of the original molecule. Polarimetric comparison of this derivative with a standard prepared from (R)-citronellol showed dolichol to have an S-configuration at C-3. To determine the optical purity of dolichol a diastereoisomeric derivative was prepared and compared with standard diastereoisomers, which could be resolved by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Dolichols from pig liver, human liver and hen oviduct were analysed by this procedure and were all found to be greater than 95% S-configuration.
mesh_terms: D000447:Aldehydes; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004224:Diterpenes; D004286:Dolichols; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D009905:Optical Rotatory Dispersion; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D000447:Aldehydes; D004224:Diterpenes; D004286:Dolichols; C028468:6-acetoxy-4-methylhexanal