karboksülaatioon

Karboksülaatio is a chemical reaction where a carboxyl group (COOH) is added to a molecule. This process is fundamental in organic chemistry and biochemistry, playing a crucial role in various metabolic pathways and synthetic processes. In organic chemistry, carbo-oxylation reactions can be achieved using various reagents, such as carbon dioxide or its derivatives, often in the presence of catalysts like transition metals or strong bases. These reactions are essential for synthesizing carboxylic acids and their derivatives, which are valuable intermediates in the production of pharmaceuticals, polymers, and other fine chemicals.

In biological systems, karboksülaatio is frequently mediated by enzymes called carboxylases. A prominent example is the carboxylation of pyruvate to oxaloacetate, a key step in the citric acid cycle, catalyzed by pyruvate carboxylase. Another vital biological karboksülaatio is the synthesis of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, the enzyme responsible for the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA, which is the rate-limiting step in fatty acid synthesis. These enzymatic reactions are highly specific and often require cofactors such as biotin. The ability to introduce carboxyl groups significantly alters the chemical properties of molecules, influencing their solubility, reactivity, and biological function. Understanding karboksülaatio is therefore critical for comprehending metabolic regulation and for developing novel synthetic strategies.