Retinol

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3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol, or **Retinol**, is a molecule more commonly known as vitamin A. This is a vitamin humans need in their diet.====== This is the retinol molecule: 2



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Pure retinol is a fat and exists in different densities and appearances. Pure retinol is sold as a cream for skin care.

4 The formula for it is **C20H30O**. The oxygen at the end means that it is an alcohol (but you probably realized that because of the suffix -ol.) This big molecule has a **molar mass of** **286.45 g/mol.** The **melting point is 62-64º C** and the **boiling point is 137-138º C.** The **density** varies throughout nature because it is found in various places.

__Structure__
Retinol is a **polyene**, which means that there are alternating single and double bonds in the molecule 1. The number of isomers retinol has is large. However, they all carry out the same function. Cis geometric isomers are more unstable than trans isomers, so cis isomers will bond until the whole molecule is a trans isomer.

__Discovery and History__
le, Lafayette Mendell discovered the same thing. Retinol has been around for millions of years despite being discovered in the 20th century. Records of loss of vision in the dark and bad skin have been recorded throughout history. These are vitamin A deficiencies. 1 .
 * In 1913, retinol was discovered** by two scientists, Elmer McCollum and Marguerite Davis, at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the same year at Ya

__Importance of Vitamin A__
The uses of retinol are plentiful. By consuming, retinol helps bone, cell, and hormone growth. With the help of retinol, our eyes can see better in the dark. Sounds like "retina," right? Retinol is also used in face products, such as anti-aging cream and acne washes and medicines 3 .

__Obtaining Retinol__
We receive vitamin A through foods like **fish, cheese, meat, milk, dairy, fruits, and vegetables**. 1

__Vitamin A Deficiency __
Vitamin A deficiency is a problem throughout some parts of the world. The map below shows a map of the world and color coded for places where VAD is high in children. 5 VAD is a serious problem in parts of the world that is most common in children and pregnant women. Fatality could be a result of VAD in young children who are exposed to other diseases. The solution to the VAD problem in other countries is simple and has long-lasting effects- plant fruits and vegetables with vitamin A. This could reduce fatality in children by 25%. 6

__References__
​1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retinol 2. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Retinol_3D_balls.png/1024px-Retinol_3D_balls.png 3. http://retinolacentre.com/uses-for-retinol/ 4. http://cellulitebye.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/creme-anticellulite.jpg 5. http://12.000.scripts.mit.edu/mission2014/sites/default/file/Vitamin%20A%20Deficiency%20Map.JPG 6. http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/vad/en/