PYRUVALDEHYDE Meaning and
Definition
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Pyruvaldehyde, also known as 2-ketopropanal or acetylformaldehyde, is a small organic chemical compound with the molecular formula of C3H4O2. It belongs to the family of aldehydes and is highly reactive due to the presence of both a carbonyl group (C=O) and an aldehyde functional group (-CHO). Pyruvaldehyde is an important intermediate in several biochemical processes and is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
In living organisms, pyruvaldehyde is primarily formed during the breakdown of glucose in a process known as glycolysis. It is an intermediate compound between glucose and pyruvic acid. Pyruvaldehyde serves as a precursor to many important molecules including amino acids, nucleotides, and carbohydrates.
Although pyruvaldehyde is relatively unstable and exists in low concentrations in nature, it has been utilized in laboratory research and various industrial applications. It is commonly used as a reagent in organic synthesis, where its reactive nature is harnessed to create new compounds and functional groups. Pyruvaldehyde can also act as a crosslinking agent in the production of resins, adhesives, and polymers.
Due to its reactivity and potential toxicity, pyruvaldehyde must be handled and stored with care. Inhalation or contact with the skin and eyes may cause irritation or adverse health effects. Overall, pyruvaldehyde plays a crucial role in various biological and chemical processes, contributing to the understanding of metabolic pathways and supporting technological advancements in numerous industries.
Common Misspellings for PYRUVALDEHYDE
- oyruvaldehyde
- lyruvaldehyde
- -yruvaldehyde
- 0yruvaldehyde
- ptruvaldehyde
- pgruvaldehyde
- phruvaldehyde
- puruvaldehyde
- p7ruvaldehyde
- p6ruvaldehyde
- pyeuvaldehyde
- pyduvaldehyde
- pyfuvaldehyde
- pytuvaldehyde
- py5uvaldehyde
- py4uvaldehyde
- pyryvaldehyde
- pyrhvaldehyde
- pyrjvaldehyde
- pyrivaldehyde
Etymology of PYRUVALDEHYDE
The word "pyruvaldehyde" is derived from its chemical structure and the nomenclature of organic compounds. Its name consists of several parts:
1. "Pyruv-" refers to pyruvic acid, the parent compound upon which pyruvaldehyde is derived. Pyruvic acid is a three-carbon molecule with a carbonyl group (-C=O) at the second carbon located between two -COOH groups.
2. "-al" is a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote an aldehyde functional group (-CHO). An aldehyde is a carbonyl group (-C=O) that directly attaches to a hydrogen atom (-H) on one side.
3. "-dehyde" is another suffix used to describe aldehydes.
