Polyene

Polyene is a type of chemical compound with multiple conjugated double bonds. They are a major class of organic compounds, many of which have biological activity. Polyenes can be found in various natural sources, such as certain types of fungi, and are often used in the production of antibiotics and antifungal medication.

Structure and properties

Polyenes have a structure that consists of alternating single and double carbon-carbon bonds. This alternating pattern, known as conjugation, allows the electrons in the molecule to be delocalized, which gives polyenes their characteristic color and reactivity. The more conjugated double bonds a polyene has, the longer the wavelength of light it can absorb, and the more red or yellow it appears.

Biological activity

Many polyenes have biological activity. For example, amphotericin B and nystatin are polyene antifungals that are used to treat fungal infections. These drugs work by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, and creating pores that disrupt the membrane and cause the cell to leak and die.

Synthesis

Polyenes can be synthesized in the laboratory using a variety of methods. One common method is the Wittig reaction, which involves the reaction of a phosphonium ylide with a carbonyl compound to form a polyene.

See also

• Conjugated system
• Antifungal medication
• Wittig reaction

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