Vitamin K5

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Vitamin K5

Vitamin K5, also known as menadione, is a synthetic variant of Vitamin K, which is a group of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamins that are needed for the posttranslational modification of certain proteins, primarily required for blood coagulation but also involved in various cellular functions such as metabolism, bone health, and cell growth.

Chemical Structure

Vitamin K5, or menadione, is a yellowish, crystalline powder with a slightly bitter taste. Its chemical formula is C11H8O2 and it has a molecular weight of 172.18 g/mol. The chemical structure of Vitamin K5 consists of a 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone ring.

Synthesis

Vitamin K5 is synthesized industrially by the condensation of 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone with 3-methyl-2-butanone. The resulting compound is then oxidized to produce the final product.

Biological Role

Vitamin K5 is not naturally occurring in the body but can be converted to active vitamin K2, menaquinone, in the body. It plays a crucial role in the blood clotting process by acting as a cofactor for the enzyme gamma-glutamyl carboxylase, which catalyzes the carboxylation of glutamate residues on certain proteins to form gamma-carboxyglutamate (Gla). These Gla-residue proteins are essential for the coagulation cascade, which is the series of chemical reactions that leads to the formation of a blood clot.

Health Effects

While Vitamin K5 is not typically used as a dietary supplement due to its potential toxicity, it has been used in research and medical applications. It has been studied for its potential use in cancer treatment, as it has been shown to induce cell death in certain types of cancer cells. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

See Also

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin K2
• Blood clotting
• Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase

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