Melatonin

C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂

IUPAC: N-[2-(5-Methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide

CAS: 73-31-4

Overview

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in response to darkness that regulates the circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycle). Its production is suppressed by blue light, which is why screen time before bed can disrupt sleep. It is also a powerful antioxidant.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 16 1.0080
Carbon C 13 12.0110
Nitrogen N 2 14.0070
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×16
6.9%
C
Carbon ×13
67.2%
N
Nitrogen ×2
12.1%
O
Oxygen ×2
13.8%

Uses

  • • Sleep cycle regulation
  • • Jet lag treatment
  • • Sleep aid supplement
  • • Antioxidant

Fun Facts

  • ✦ Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin production, which is why night mode displays use warm colors

Safety

  • ⚠ Generally safe for short-term use
  • ⚠ May cause drowsiness and headache
  • ⚠ Interactions with blood thinners

Structure

SMILES

CC(=O)NCCC1=CNC2=C1C=C(C=C2)OC

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
232.28 g/mol
Density
1.1750 g/cm³
Melting Point
117.0 °C
Solubility
slightly soluble

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
232.1212
XLogP
0.8
TPSA
54.1 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
2
Rotatable Bonds
4
Heavy Atoms
17
Complexity
270.0

Also Known As

Melatonin

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melatonin?
Melatonin (C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name N-[2-(5-Methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl]acetamide.
What is the molecular weight of Melatonin?
Melatonin has a molar mass of 232.281 g/mol.
What state is Melatonin at room temperature?
Melatonin is a solid at room temperature.
Is Melatonin organic or inorganic?
Melatonin is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Melatonin?
Melatonin (C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).