The chemical formula of keratin is not a single, simple formula like those for small molecules because keratin is a complex, fibrous protein. Proteins are macromolecules made up of long chains of various amino acids, and their exact composition varies depending on the specific type of keratin (e.g., alpha-keratin, beta-keratin) and the organism it comes from.
However, the provided reference lists a specific molecular formula associated with "keratin" under a particular CAS number.
Chemical Formula Information from Reference
According to the provided reference from Chemsrc.com, the following information is listed for a substance identified as "keratin" with CAS Number 68238-35-7:
| Common Name | CAS Number | Molecular Formula | Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keratin | 68238-35-7 | C2H2BrClO2 | 2.1±0.1 g/cm³ |
It is important to note that CAS Number 68238-35-7 is generally associated with Keratins, hydrolyzates. Hydrolyzed keratin is a mixture of peptides and amino acids derived from the breakdown of the larger keratin protein, not the intact protein itself. The molecular formula C2H2BrClO2 listed in the reference suggests a small organic molecule, which is not characteristic of the complex polymeric structure of the biological protein keratin or its hydrolyzates. Therefore, while this specific formula is listed in the reference for this CAS entry, it does not represent the overall chemical formula of the diverse and large protein known as keratin.
Understanding Keratin's Structure
- Protein Nature: Keratin is a structural protein, meaning it provides strength and protection. It is a key component of hair, skin, nails, feathers, hooves, and horns.
- Amino Acid Composition: Like all proteins, keratin is a polymer composed of various amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. Its specific properties are determined by the sequence and arrangement of these amino acids, particularly its high content of the sulfur-containing amino acid cysteine, which forms disulfide bonds crucial for its strength and shape.
- Variable Composition: Due to its complex polymeric nature and the existence of different types of keratin (e.g., hard α-keratins, soft β-keratins), there isn't a single, fixed empirical or molecular formula that represents all forms of keratin. Instead, keratin is defined by its protein sequence and three-dimensional structure.
