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The Strange Transformation of Acetylation: How to Turn Ordinary Molecules into Powerful Drugs?
In organic chemistry, acetyl refers to a functional group with the chemical formula −COCH3 and the structure −C(=O)−CH3. Acetyl is known as acetyl in IUPAC nomenclature. This structure makes the acetyl group a building block of many organic compounds, including acetic acid, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, acetyl-CoA, acetylcysteine, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol), and Acetylsalicylic acid (also known as aspirin). The diverse effects of these compounds arise primarily from the uniqueness and capabilities of the acetation process.
The process of acetylation can greatly improve the performance of ordinary molecules. This is a wonderful process that changes the molecular structure.
The process of acetylation
Acetylation is the chemical process of adding an acetyl group to a molecule. For example, glycine can be converted to N-glycine acetate through a reaction:
H2NCH2CO2H + (CH3CO)2O → CH3C(O)NHCH2CO2H + CH3CO 2H
Acetylation in biology
The enzyme that performs acetylation of proteins or other biological macromolecules in living organisms is called acetyltransferase. In living organisms, acetyl groups are often transferred from acetyl-CoA to other organic molecules. Acetyl-CoA is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis and decomposition of many organic molecules. It is also produced during the second phase of cellular respiration (pyruvate decarboxylation), which is the conversion of pyruvate by pyruvate dehydrogenase.
Acetylation not only affects metabolism in biological processes, but also involves the regulation of gene expression, which greatly affects cell function.
Applications in synthetic organic and medicinal chemistry
Chemists typically use a variety of methods to achieve acetylation, most commonly with acetic acid anhydrous or acetyl chloride, and often in the presence of a tertiary or aromatic amine base. These reactions can efficiently and accurately introduce acetyl groups, improving the activity and effectiveness of the final product.
Pharmacological perspective
Acetylated organic molecules generally exhibit a higher ability to cross the selectively permeable blood-brain barrier. This process helps the drug reach the brain more quickly, thereby enhancing its effect and making a single dose more effective. For example, the enhanced effect of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) compared to the natural anti-inflammatory salicylic acid can be attributed to the introduction of the acetyl group; similarly, acetylation converts the natural analgesic morphine into A more potent version of heroin (diacetylmorphine).
Some recent studies have shown that acetyl-L-carnitine may be more effective than L-carnitine in certain applications, making acetylation an important means of drug improvement.
The etymology of acetate
The term "acetyl" was first coined in 1839 by German chemist Justus von Liebig to describe what he mistakenly thought was acetate. Although his theory was wrong, the name "acetyl" has survived to this day and has become a recurring term in chemical literature.
Future Outlook
With the advancement of technology, acetylation may provide more possibilities for drug development and biomedical research. The exploration of new acetyl compounds, especially in the application of anti-radiation drugs, will be a direction worthy of attention. These studies may advance our understanding of drug mechanisms and effects.
The scientific community is constantly exploring how to use this powerful technology to change lives, and what unexpected surprises will future drug innovation bring?
