Pseudocorrins

Pseudocorrins are a class of organic compounds that share a structural resemblance to corrins, which are the core ligands found in cobalamins (vitamin B12). Unlike true corrins, pseudocorrins do not contain a central metal atom, such as cobalt. Their defining feature is a macrocyclic tetrapyrrole ring system, but the arrangement of the pyrrole units and the connecting methine bridges differs from that of corrins. Specifically, pseudocorrins often exhibit different conjugation patterns and may have a less saturated macrocycle.

The study of pseudocorrins is of interest in organic chemistry and biochemistry due to their potential as model compounds for understanding the structure and function of metallo-corrin complexes. Researchers synthesize pseudocorrins to investigate the electronic and steric properties of the macrocyclic ligand in the absence of a metal. These studies can provide insights into the factors that govern metal binding and reactivity in natural corrin systems. While not found naturally in biological systems, pseudocorrins can be synthesized through various organic reactions, often involving the cyclization of pyrrole precursors. Their development allows for the exploration of new chemical space and potential applications in areas such as catalysis or materials science, by mimicking aspects of biological metal coordination.