decarboxylated

Decarboxylated describes a molecule that has undergone decarboxylation, in which a carboxyl group (COOH) is removed as carbon dioxide (CO2). Decarboxylation is a common reaction in chemistry and biochemistry and can alter a compound’s structure, reactivity, and biological activity.

In chemistry, decarboxylation can occur spontaneously under heating, especially with beta-keto acids and other carboxylic acids that form stable enol or carbonyl products. It can also be accelerated by acids, bases, or catalysts. Many decarboxylation steps yield a corresponding hydrocarbon or ketone, and the released CO2 can drive the reaction forward.

In biochemistry, decarboxylation is often enzyme-catalyzed. Decarboxylases remove carboxyl groups from amino acids to produce bioactive amines (for example, histidine to histamine, tyrosine to tyramine, and tryptophan to tryamine). Oxidative decarboxylation removes CO2 while transferring electrons, as seen in pyruvate dehydrogenase converting pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, releasing CO2 and generating NADH. These processes are essential in metabolism and energy production.

In everyday contexts, decarboxylation is notable for activating certain plant compounds. For example, heating cannabis converts the acidic cannabinoids (such as THCA and CBDA) into their active forms (THC and CBD) via decarboxylation, releasing CO2 in the process.

Overall, decarboxylated materials are products of decarboxylation, characterized by the loss of a carboxyl group and the associated carbon dioxide.