tiolüüsi

Tiolüüsi is a chemical reaction where a carbon-sulfur bond is cleaved by a thiol. This process is a form of nucleophilic substitution, where the sulfur atom of the thiol acts as the nucleophile. Tiolüüsi is important in organic chemistry and biochemistry, playing a role in various metabolic pathways.

In organic synthesis, tiolüüsi can be used to deprotect thioethers or to introduce thiol groups into molecules. The reaction is typically carried out under mild conditions and can be catalyzed by acids or bases. The specific conditions required for tiolüüsi depend on the nature of the carbon-sulfur bond being cleaved and the structure of the thiol used.

Biochemically, tiolüüsi is involved in processes such as the breakdown of proteins and the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids. For example, the enzyme cysteine synthase catalyzes a tiolüüsi reaction during the biosynthesis of cysteine. Enzymes that perform tiolüüsi are often referred to as thiolases.

The reverse of tiolüüsi, where a thiol and an alkene or an alkane react to form a carbon-sulfur bond, is known as thiol addition or thiolation. Understanding tiolüüsi is crucial for comprehending the chemistry of sulfur-containing compounds and their biological significance.