Glyoxylic acid

Glyoxylic acid

Glyoxylic acid, whose term in the IUPAC nomenclature is: oxoacetic acid is a carboxylic acid with the brute or molecular formula: C2H2O3.
Glyoxylic acid is a carboxylic acid with an aldehyde group joined directly to the carboxyl and is therefore an organic compound having the molecular structure: HCO-COOH. As such, it participates in the typical reactions of aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
Glyoxylic acid occurs naturally in several plants, but is most common in the following:
– Plants of the Fabaceae family: Glyoxylic acid is present in many plants of this family, such as beans, peas, broad beans and other legumes. It is involved in carbon fixation during the photosynthesis process.
– Plants of the Amaranthaceae family: This family of plants includes species such as quinoa and sugar beet, which contain glyoxylic acid.
– Plants of the Brassicaceae family: Some plants of this family, such as cabbage, broccoli and rocket, contain glyoxylic acid.
– Plants of the Solanaceae family: Some plants of this family, such as tomatoes and potatoes, may contain glyoxylic acid.
– Plants of the Oxalidaceae family: This family includes plants such as wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), which contains glyoxylic acid.
In plants, glyoxylic acid is involved in several biochemical processes, including the metabolism of organic acids and defense against insects. However, the presence and concentration of glyoxylic acid can vary between different plant species.
Synthetically, the compound is obtained from the oxidation of glycolic acid or from the ozonolysis of maleic acid. Glyoxylic acid is commercially available as a monohydrate or in aqueous solution.
When the carboxyl of glyoxylic acid loses a proton, it converts to glyoxylate. This compound is an intermediate of the glyoxylate cycle, which allows organisms such as bacteria, fungi and plants to convert fatty acids into carbohydrates. Glyoxylate is the waste product of the amidation process in the biosynthesis of several amidated peptides.

Warning: The information provided is not medical advice and may not be accurate. The contents are for illustrative purposes only and do not replace medical advice.