Decarboxylatsioon

Decarboxylation is a chemical reaction that removes a carboxyl group from a molecule by the release of carbon dioxide. The carboxyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry with the formula -COOH, consisting of a carbonyl group (C=O) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to the same carbon atom.

This reaction is common in organic chemistry and biochemistry. In organic chemistry, decarboxylation can occur under various conditions, including heating, photolysis, or catalysis. For example, heating certain carboxylic acids can lead to their decarboxylation, forming a new compound and releasing CO2. This process is utilized in the synthesis of various organic molecules.

In biological systems, decarboxylation plays a crucial role in many metabolic pathways. Enzymes called decarboxylases catalyze these reactions. A prominent example is the decarboxylation of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. For instance, the decarboxylation of certain amino acids produces important neurotransmitters like GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and dopamine. Another significant biological decarboxylation is the fermentation of sugars by yeast, where pyruvic acid is decarboxylated to acetaldehyde, which is then reduced to ethanol. This process is fundamental to the production of alcoholic beverages and bread. The removal of the carboxyl group often leads to a more stable or reactive molecule, facilitating further biological transformations.