porfyrinok

Porfyrinok is a term used in Polish-language sources to refer to porphyrins, a family of heterocyclic macrocycles. A porphyrin consists of four pyrrole rings connected by methine bridges to form a planar, highly conjugated ring system that normally contains 18 π electrons. Many porphyrins coordinate a central metal ion, giving metalloporphyrins with diverse chemical and biological functions.

Natural porphyrins include heme b, an iron porphyrin in hemoglobin and myoglobin, and the chlorophylls, magnesium porphyrins in photosynthetic organisms. Porphyrins are also components of various enzymes and pigments. The biosynthesis of heme and chlorophyll involves a common pathway that starts with delta-aminolevulinic acid and proceeds through porphyrin intermediates such as protoporphyrin IX before metal insertion.

Porphyrins are notable for their electronic structure, vivid colors, and photochemical properties. They are used as photosensitizers in photodynamic therapy and as dyes, catalysts, and sensors in research and industry. Porphyrin-related disorders, called porphyrias, arise from disruptions in the heme biosynthesis pathway, leading to accumulation of porphyrin intermediates and related compounds in liver and other tissues.

Porfyrinok contrasts with related macrocycles such as corrins, which differ in ring structure and metal coordination. The study of porphyrins encompasses chemistry, biochemistry, medicine, and materials science.