Lactone
Lactone
Lactone (/lækˈtoʊn/) is a cyclic ester that results from the condensation of a hydroxyl group (-OH) with a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
Etymology
The term "lactone" derives from the ring compound called "lactide" which is a type of lactone. The suffix '-one' is used in organic chemistry to form names of organic compounds containing the -C(=O)- group.
Structure and Classification
Lactones are classified into classes depending on the number of carbon atoms involved in the formation of the lactone ring. They can be classified as α-lactone, β-lactone, γ-lactone, δ-lactone, and so on, depending on whether the COOH and the OH are on the same carbon (α), on adjacent carbons (β), on carbons 3 atoms apart (γ), on carbons 4 atoms apart (δ), etc.
Synthesis
Lactones are synthesized through various methods, including the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation, the halolactonization, and the nucleophilic abstraction.
Uses
Lactones are commonly found in many foods and beverages, contributing to their flavor and aroma. They are also used in the production of certain pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds.
Related Terms
- Ester
- Hydroxyl Group
- Carboxylic Acid
- Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation
- Halolactonization
- Nucleophilic Abstraction
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lactone
- Wikipedia's article - Lactone
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski