HOOCCH2COR

HOOCCH2COR is a general chemical notation representing a class of organic compounds known as α-keto acids or α-keto derivatives, characterized by the presence of both a carboxyl group (-COOH) and a ketone group (-C=O) attached to the same carbon chain. The structure typically consists of a two-carbon chain where one carbon is part of a carboxylic acid, and the adjacent carbon bears a keto group.

The notation "HOOCCH2COR" can be broken down as follows: "HOOC" refers to the carboxyl group, "CH2" to a methylene bridge, and "COR" indicates a carbonyl group attached to a variable substituent "R", which can be an alkyl, aryl, or other organic group. This structure is characteristic of α-keto acids, which play significant roles in biological systems, such as in amino acid metabolism and the Krebs cycle.

Examples of well-known compounds within this class include pyruvic acid (HOOC-CO-CH3), which is a central intermediate in cellular respiration, and oxaloacetic acid (HOOC-CO-CH2-COOH), an important participant in the citric acid cycle. These compounds are typically reactive due to the presence of both carboxyl and keto groups, enabling various biochemical transformations.

HOOCCH2COR derivatives are used in organic synthesis, biochemistry, and metabolic studies. They are often synthesized for research purposes or as intermediates in pharmaceutical development. Due to their reactive nature, they require careful handling and storage to prevent unwanted reactions.