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 ascorbic acid? Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that was discovered in 1912 and isolated in 1928. The IUPAC systematic name for vitamin C is (R)-3,4-dihydroxy-5-((S)-1,2-dihydroxyethyl)furan-2(5H)-one. Chemical structure The structure of vitamin C is always the L enantiomer salt of ascorbic acid and its oxidized forms, such as dehydroascorbate (DHA). … Read more
What is vitamin B12? Vitamin B12 is a group of vitamers, where the most common form is the compound cyanocobalamin. The human organism can convert cyanocobalamin into any active vitamin B12 compound. The IUPAC systematic name for cyanocobalamin is cobalt(3+);[(2R,3S,4R,5S)-5-(5,6-dimethylbenzimidazol-1-yl)-4-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-yl] [(2R)-1-[3-[(1R,2R,3R,4Z,7S,9Z,12S,13S,14Z,17S,18S,19R)-2,13,18-tris(2-amino-2-oxoethyl)-7,12,17-tris(3-amino-3-oxopropyl)-3,5,8,8,13,15,18,19-octamethyl-2,7,12,17-tetrahydro-1H-corrin-21-id-3-yl]propanoylamino]propan-2-yl] phosphate;cyanide Chemical structure Cyanocobalamin has a complex structure, with a central macrocycle core called … Read more
What is vitamin A? Vitamin A is a group of unsaturated nutritional organic compounds that includes: retinol, retinal, retinoic acid and various provitamin A carotenoids. Of the latter the most notable is β-carotene (beta-carotene). The IUPAC systematic name for retinol is (2E,4E,6E,8E)-3,7-dimethyl-9-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-en-1-yl)nona-2,4,6,8-tetraen-1-ol. Chemical structure In 1929-1931, Paul Karrer (Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1937) determined … Read more
What are water-soluble vitamins? Water-soluble (water-soluble) vitamins are not stored and are eliminated in the urine. They include the following: vitamin B. There are 8 vitamins B essential to the human body and each has its own chemical composition. However, they perform similar functions and are found in many common foods. They are divided into … Read more
What are fat-soluble vitamins? As their name indicates, they are not soluble in water, but in fats (lipids). They are absorbed and stored in the liver and fatty tissues. This group of vitamins is made up of: vitamin A (retinol, retinoids and carotenoids) vitamin D (ergocalciferol, D2 and cholecalciferol D3) vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols) … Read more
