Pantoic acid

Overview of Pantoic acid

Pantoic acid

Structural formula of D-pantoic acid

Pantoic acid is a chemical compound that is a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of pantothenic acid, which is a component of coenzyme A. It is a hydroxy acid and is often found in its D-enantiomer form, known as D-pantoic acid.

Structure and properties

Pantoic acid is a hydroxy acid with the chemical formula C₆H₁₂O₄. It contains a carboxylic acid group, a hydroxyl group, and a methyl group attached to a central carbon atom. The presence of the hydroxyl group makes it a chiral molecule, and it exists in two enantiomeric forms: D-pantoic acid and L-pantoic acid. The D-form is the biologically active form involved in the synthesis of pantothenic acid.

Biosynthesis

Pantoic acid is synthesized in biological systems through the reduction of keto acids. It is a precursor in the biosynthetic pathway of pantothenic acid, which is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme A. Coenzyme A is crucial for various biochemical reactions, including the citric acid cycle and the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids.

Role in metabolism

In metabolism, pantoic acid is combined with _-alanine to form pantothenic acid. This reaction is catalyzed by the enzyme pantothenate synthetase. Pantothenic acid is then phosphorylated to form phosphopantothenate, which is further converted into coenzyme A. Coenzyme A acts as a carrier of acyl groups in metabolic reactions, playing a vital role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.

Industrial and research applications

Pantoic acid and its derivatives are used in research to study the biosynthesis of pantothenic acid and coenzyme A. Understanding these pathways can lead to the development of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals, as coenzyme A is a target for drug development due to its central role in metabolism.

Related pages

• Pantothenic acid
• Coenzyme A
• Hydroxy acid
• Chirality (chemistry)