Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 9.13
Many synthetic pathways end with acetic acid, starting with ethanol, acetaldehyde,
acetal, ethyl acetate, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, acetone, and malonic acid. These reactions can be
accomplished by means of the dichromate reagent as an oxidizer [
6
]. Note that for the oxidation of
acetone, more rigorous conditions are needed. For the decarboxylation of malonic acid, no
oxidizer, but only heating is needed
the biochemical metabolic processes. Many reactions in the organism lead to the
stable acetic acid molecule. Oxidation reactions like ethanol
!
acetaldehyde
!
acetic acid, as well as oxidative decarboxylation reactions such as lactic acid
!
pyruvic acid
acetic acid + CO
2
also play an important role here. In living
organisms, the oxidizer is NAD+, corresponding to the dichromate oxidizer in the
test tube experiments. So chemistry lessons can support biology lessons by
providing an exemplary basis of biochemically relevant substances through
in vitro syntheses.
Not only the above named substances, but others like citric acid, ascorbic acid,
amino acids, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as aromatic compounds and
dyes can be integrated into the PIN-Concept thus forming a growing system [
1
].
!
