12dipalmitoylsnglycerol

1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, commonly abbreviated DPPC, is a glycerophospholipid in which two palmitoyl (C16:0) fatty acyl chains are esterified at the sn-1 and sn-2 positions of glycerol, with a phosphocholine headgroup. It is a saturated phosphatidylcholine that is a major component of biological membranes and, notably, of pulmonary surfactant.

DPPC plays a critical role in respiration by reducing surface tension at the air–liquid interface of the alveoli. In the lung, surfactant particles containing DPPC spread to form a thin film that lowers the work of breathing and prevents alveolar collapse during exhalation. The lipid’s saturated chains contribute to a tightly packed, ordered structure that supports stable membrane and film properties, particularly at physiological temperatures.

Biologically, DPPC is synthesized in type II pneumocytes through the Kennedy pathway, with palmitoyl-CoA as a primary acyl donor. It is incorporated into surfactant-containing lamellar bodies and released into the alveolar space, where it mixes with other lipids and surfactant proteins to form functional surfactant.

Clinical relevance is highlighted by its role in respiratory physiology and disease. Deficiencies or dysregulation of surfactant composition can contribute to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Exogenous surfactant preparations used in neonatal care often include DPPC or DPPC-containing formulations to restore surface-tension–reducing function.

Synonyms include 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. DPPC is frequently used as a model lipid in biophysics and membrane studies.