C2H3IO2

C2H3IO2 is the chemical formula for iodoacetic acid. It is a carboxylic acid containing an iodine atom. Iodoacetic acid is a white crystalline solid at room temperature with a pungent odor. It is soluble in water and ethanol.

Iodoacetic acid is a potent alkylating agent due to the lability of the iodine atom. This property makes it a useful reagent in organic synthesis for introducing the iodoacetyl group into molecules. It is commonly used in biochemistry to alkylate cysteine residues in proteins. This alkylation inactivates enzymes by blocking the active site or disrupting protein structure.

In laboratory settings, iodoacetic acid is used as an inhibitor of various enzymes, including glycolytic enzymes and proteases. Its ability to irreversibly bind to sulfhydryl groups makes it a valuable tool for studying enzyme mechanisms and pathways. However, due to its toxicity and corrosive nature, it should be handled with appropriate safety precautions.

Iodoacetic acid can be synthesized through the reaction of chloroacetic acid with potassium iodide or sodium iodide. The reaction typically proceeds via a nucleophilic substitution mechanism. It is important to note that iodoacetic acid is a hazardous substance and exposure should be minimized.