2-Ketoglutaric acid, also known as α-ketoglutaric acid, is a compound of significant application value in the fields of biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Here is a detailed introduction:
1. Basic Information
Chemical Name: 2-oxoglutaric acid
English Name: 2-Ketoglutaric acid
CAS Number: 328-50-7
Molecular Formula: C₅H₆O₅
Molecular Weight: 146.1
Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder, may turn light grayish-yellow upon prolonged storage, and is hygroscopic.
Melting Point: 113.5°C
2. Physicochemical Properties
·Solubility: Easily soluble in water and alcohol but very poorly soluble in ether. This property guides its solvent selection in research experiments.
·Transmittance: ≥97.0% (for high-quality products)
3. Biochemical Functions
·Energy Production: As a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle), α-ketoglutaric acid is involved in energy production and is an important step in the generation of ATP or GTP.
·Nitrogen Metabolism: In nitrogen assimilation reactions, α-ketoglutaric acid serves as the main carbon skeleton, making it significant for studying nitrogen metabolism in living organisms.
·Amino Acid and Nucleotide Synthesis: α-ketoglutaric acid is a precursor for synthesizing amino acids and nucleotides, which are crucial for the growth and development of living organisms.
4. Application Areas
·Pharmaceutical Chemistry: As a raw material in pharmaceutical chemistry, α-ketoglutaric acid can form salts with amino acids, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other compounds, serving as an organic intermediate and biochemical reagent.
·Sports Nutrition: As a component of sports nutrition drinks, α-ketoglutaric acid promotes energy metabolism and enhances athletic performance, garnering widespread attention from athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
·Biosensors: The structural analog 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), related to α-ketoglutaric acid, is closely associated with the occurrence of various diseases. Thus, developing biosensors based on α-ketoglutaric acid has become a research hotspot, providing new methods and approaches for diagnosing and treating related diseases.
5. Other Physiological Functions
·Reducing Pulmonary Ammonia Levels: α-ketoglutaric acid has the ability to lower ammonia levels in the lungs.
·Detoxification: It offers protective effects against lipid peroxidation and may have neuroprotective effects in certain poisoning situations (e.g., fluoride poisoning).
2-Ketoglutaric acid (α-ketoglutaric acid) is a compound with extensive application value in biochemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Its unique chemical properties and physiological functions make it a focal point in research.
