Thiobarbituric acid

Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) is a type of organic compound that belongs to the barbiturate family. It is a white crystalline substance that is soluble in water and alcohol. Thiobarbituric acid is primarily used in scientific research, particularly in the field of biochemistry.

Structure and Properties

Thiobarbituric acid is a six-membered heterocyclic compound with four carbon atoms, one oxygen atom, and one sulfur atom. The sulfur atom replaces one of the oxygen atoms in the core structure of barbituric acid, hence the prefix 'thio'. The molecular formula of thiobarbituric acid is C4H4N2O2S.

Thiobarbituric acid is a weak acid, with a pKa value of approximately 4. This means that it can donate a proton (H+) in an aqueous solution, but not as readily as strong acids like hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid.

Uses

Thiobarbituric acid is most commonly used in the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay, a method for detecting and quantifying malondialdehyde and other byproducts of lipid peroxidation. This assay is widely used in research to measure the level of oxidative stress in biological samples.

In addition to its use in the TBARS assay, thiobarbituric acid is also used in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals and dyes.

Safety

Like other barbiturates, thiobarbituric acid can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. It can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Therefore, it should be handled with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment.

See Also

• Barbituric acid
• Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
• Lipid peroxidation
• Oxidative stress