4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid

Chemical compound

Chemical Compound
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4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB) is an organomercury compound that is used primarily as a biochemical tool to modify sulfhydryl groups in proteins. It is a derivative of benzoic acid and contains a mercury atom, which is responsible for its reactivity with thiol groups.

Structure and Properties

4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid is characterized by the presence of a chlorine atom and a mercury atom attached to a benzene ring. The molecular structure allows it to interact specifically with thiol groups, making it a valuable reagent in biochemistry.

The compound is typically a white crystalline solid and is soluble in organic solvents. The presence of the mercury atom makes it highly reactive and also toxic, requiring careful handling in laboratory settings.

Applications in Biochemistry

4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid is widely used in the study of enzymes and proteins. It acts as a sulfhydryl reagent, meaning it can bind to and modify thiol groups in proteins. This property is useful for:

• Inhibiting enzyme activity by modifying active site cysteine residues.
• Studying the role of thiol groups in protein structure and function.
• Labeling proteins for detection and analysis.

Safety and Handling

Due to the presence of mercury, 4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid is considered hazardous. It is important to handle it with appropriate safety precautions, including the use of gloves, goggles, and working in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Disposal of the compound must be conducted in accordance with local regulations for hazardous waste.

Related Compounds

4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid is part of a broader class of organomercury compounds, which are used in various chemical and biological applications. Other related compounds include:

• Phenylmercuric acetate
• Methylmercury
• Ethylmercury

Related pages

• Organomercury compound
• Sulfhydryl reagent
• Thiol
• Protein structure

Gallery

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  2D structure of 4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid
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  3D van der Waals model of 4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid

4-Chloromercuribenzoic_acid

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  4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid structure
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  3D van der Waals model of 4-Chloromercuribenzoic acid