Step into the world of Vitamins in Chemistry within this category, where we explore the chemical structures, functions, and importance of these essential micronutrients. Delve into the diverse array of vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, and the B-vitamins, unraveling their roles in enzymatic reactions, metabolism, and overall human health. Explore the synthesis, degradation, and bioavailability of vitamins, as well as their chemical properties and interactions. Discover the impact of vitamin deficiencies and the fascinating science behind vitamin supplementation. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of vitamins from a chemical perspective and enhance your understanding of these vital compounds.
What is vitamin K? Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stable to air and moisture but decomposes in sunlight. Two vitamin K vitamers are found in nature: vitamin K1, or phylloquinone, and vitamin K2, or menaquinone, generated in tissues, and another called K3, or menadione, which is produced by certain bacteria. The systematic … Read more
What is vitamin E? Vitamin E is a group of fat-soluble vitamers of which different tocopherols and tocotrienols are part, both with forms named α-, β-, γ-, and δ-, according to their common chromane ring chemical structure. The IUPAC systematic name for α-tocopherol is (2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(4R,8R)-4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol. For α-tocotrienol the name is ((2R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-[(3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-3,7,11-trienyl]-3,4-dihydrochromen-6-ol Chemical structure All vitamin … Read more
What is vitamin D? Vitamin D is made up of two fat-soluble compounds. These are vitamin D3, or cholecalciferol, and vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol. Vitamin D is a unique substance, as it is produced in the body when the skin receives solar radiation. The IUPAC systematic name for vitamin D3 is (3S,5Z,7E)-9,10-secocholesta-5,7,10(19)-trien-3-ol and for vitamin … Read more
What is vitamin B6? Vitamin B6, called pyridoxine (because of its structural similarity to pyridine), is actually a group of three chemical compounds called pyridoxine (PN) (or pyridoxol), pyridoxal (PL) and pyridoxamine (PM). They are part of the family of water-soluble B vitamins. The systematic name of the IUPAC for pyridoxine is 4,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-ol, for pyridoxal … Read more
What is thiamine? Thiamine, or thiamin, or vitamin B1, is a member of the B vitamins. The systematic name of the IUPAC is 2-[3-[(4-amino-2-methylpyrimidin-5-yl)methyl]-4-methyl-1,3-thiazol-3-ium-5-yl]ethanol. Chemical structure Thiamine has the following general chemical formula C12H17N4OS⊕. 3D Structure Functions Although the human body needs only a tiny amount of thiamine, it plays several key roles in … Read more
What is riboflavin? Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is part of the water-soluble B vitamin complex. The systematic name of the IUPAC is 7,8-Dimethyl-10-[(2S,3S,4R)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydroxypentyl]benzo[g]pteridine-2,4-dione. Chemical structure It has a general formula C17H20N4O6. It consists of a heterocyclic structure (benzene ring fused to pteridine with two carbonyl groups) called isoaloxazine and a substituent, ribitol (pentose), linked to … Read more
What is pantothenic acid? Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5, or vitamin W, is a water-soluble vitamin of the B vitamins group, necessary for life. It was discovered by Roger J. Williams in 1931 as a cofactor for yeast growth. The systematic name of the IUPAC for vitamin B5 is 3-[(2R)-2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutanamido]propanoic acid. Chemical structure Structurally, pantothenic acid … Read more
What is niacin? The generic term niacin or vitamin PP refers to nicotinic acid and its amide niacinamide, which are the two main forms of vitamin B3. A third form of niacin, inositol hexaniacinate, is gaining acceptance as a substitute for niacin. This is composed of one molecule of inositol (an “unofficial” B vitamin) and … Read more
What is folic acid? Folic acid, or vitamin B9 or folacin, is a water-soluble vitamin of the B vitamin family that stimulates the hematopoietic system (blood cell production). Chemical structure Its chemical formula is C19 H19 N7 O6, and its structure consists of three parts. A nitrogenous heterocyclic ring (pteridine) with two single substituents oxo … Read more
What is biotin? Biotin (vitamin B7, vitamin H, or coenzyme R), is a member of the B vitamin family. It is an enzyme cofactor present in small amounts in every living cell. The IUPAC systematic name is 5-[(3aS,4S,6aR)-2-oxohexahydro-1H-thieno[3,4-d]imidazol-4-yl]pentanoic acid Chemical structure 3D Structure Functions Its main functions in the body are to help … Read more
