QUINOLINIC Meaning and
Definition
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Quinolinic is an adjective that pertains to quinoline, which is a heterocyclic organic compound. It is a derivative of pyridine, consisting of a benzene ring fused with a pyridine ring. Quinoline possesses a bicyclic structure with a nitrogen atom in both rings, and it is commonly found in coal tar and the process of coal tar distillation. The term quinolinic is used to describe any compound or substance that contains a quinoline nucleus or exhibits similar chemical properties.
In the field of chemistry, quinolinic compounds have been extensively studied due to their diverse range of biological activities. For instance, quinolinic acid is an important metabolite in the kynurenine pathway, an enzymatic route involved in the degradation of tryptophan, an essential amino acid. It has been found to possess neuroactive properties, acting as an excitotoxin and influencing the functioning of the nervous system. Quinolinic acid has also been implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Furthermore, quinolinic derivatives have been synthesized and explored for their potential use in various medicinal applications. These include drugs with antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Researchers continue to investigate the synthesis and properties of quinolinic compounds in order to understand their wide-ranging biological effects and to develop new therapeutic interventions.
Etymology of QUINOLINIC
The word "quinolinic" relates to the organic compound "quinoline", so its etymology can be traced back to the word "quinoline".
The term "quinoline" was coined in 1848 by the German chemist Johann Fittig, who derived it from two sources: "quinqu", which means "five" in Latin, and the suffix "-ol", which was used to refer to alcohols. Fittig chose this name because quinoline consists of a benzene ring fused to a pyridine ring, each having five carbon atoms.
Therefore, "quinolinic" is an adjective derived from "quinoline", indicating that it pertains to or is related to quinoline.
