Organic acids in the life of each of us. What acids are found in nature? As well as many organic acids and

Organic acids are important parts of biological machines. They act in processes that are associated with the use of energy of food substances; with the participation of acids in enzyme systems, the stages of gradual rearrangement and oxidation of molecules of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids proceed. Some of the carboxylic acids are obtained and consumed in metabolic processes (metabolism) in very impressive quantities. So, within a day, 400 G acetic acid. This amount would be enough to make 8 l regular vinegar. The rise and fall of anyon such a large scale, of course, means that this substance is necessary to perform some important functions. The analysis detects a number of other acids in the cells of organisms, and most of them are compounds with a mixed function, i.e., in addition to the COOH group, these acids contain other groups, such as CO, OH, etc.

The variety of inorganic acids is not so great: only phosphoric, carbonic and hydrochloric acids (and partly silicic) are found in most organisms both in the form of salts and in a free state (for example, gastric juice).

Carboxylic acids are important primarily because, acting together with special enzymes, they form a closed system of reactions (the Krebs cycle) that oxidizes pyruvic acid. Pyruvic acid itself is a rearrangement product of food molecules, such as carbohydrates.

When studying the Krebs cycle, the following acids will be encountered: pyruvic, acetic, citric, cis-aconitic, isocitric, oxalo-succinic, α-ketoglutaric, succinic, fumaric, malic, oxaloacetic.

Enzymatic reactions were observed in the cells of various microorganisms (molds), showing how easily these acids are converted into each other. So, oxaloacetic acid is formed from carbon monoxide (IV) and pyruvic acid:

CH 3 -CO-COOH + CO 2 → HOOS-CH 2 -CO-COOH

From acetic acid, by removing hydrogen, succinic and fumaric acids can be obtained.

From acetic acid, glycolic acid CH 2 OHCOOH, glyoxylic acid CHO-COOH and oxalic acid COOH-COOH are also formed. Fumaric acid can be converted to malic acid, oxaloacetic acid, etc.

Thanks to such chemical flexibility - the ability to turn into each other under the influence of enzymes, adding or giving away low molecular weight (CO 2, H 2 O, H), organic acids (especially di- and tricarboxylic acids) have become biologically valuable compounds - permanent parts of biological machines.

There is another group of organic acids, which cannot be dispensed with in the creation of biological structures - these are fatty acids. Fatty acid molecules arerelatively long chains, at one end of which there is a polar group - carboxyl COOH. In nature, there are most often fatty acids with a straight chain and an even number of carbon atoms; in plants, fatty acids containing cycles have been found (in particular, chaulmuric acid has a cyclopentene ring in the molecule).

Saturated fatty acids include: butyric, caproic, caprylic, palmitic, stearic, etc. Unsaturated fatty acids include crotonic, oleic, linoleic, linolenic.

Unsaturated acids appear to be essential for the normal functioning of the body, although their specific functions are not entirely clear. Fatty acids are commonly found in foods as esters of glycerol (fats and oils) called triglycerides. In these esters, three glycerol hydroxyls form ester bonds with three acid residues R 1 , R 2 , R3.

Some fats are associated with cell proteins; most of the fat forms deposits, which are the body's fuel reserve. Fats (triglycerides) are also found in the blood, where they enter from the intestinal mucosa through the lymphatic pathways. In the blood, fats with a small admixture of protein and some lipids form small particles (chylomicrons), the size of which is about 50 mk. When fats are oxidized, a lot of heat is released (twice as much as when the same amount of carbohydrates is oxidized), so fat is an energy substance.

Oxidation of fats occurs mainly in the kidneys, liver, but can also occur in the tissues of other organs.

In the process of oxidation, catalyzed by a number of enzymes, “fragments” containing only two carbon atoms are sequentially split off from a long fatty acid molecule. In order for this reaction to start, repeat the required number of times and turn the fatty acid into water, carbon monoxide (IV), acetoacetic acid, the participation of a special coenzyme A (CoA) and adenosine triphosphoric acid (ATP) turned out to be necessary. We will return to this issue later.

Fats are insoluble in water, but can be obtained in the form of thin emulsions. Fat emulsification is facilitated by bile salts (glycocholic and taurocholic).

Article on organic acids

A huge number of compounds known to the modern world are organic acids. In nature, they are obtained mainly from sugars as a result of complex biochemical reactions. Their role in all life processes is invaluable. For example, in the biosynthesis of glycosides, amino acids, alkaloids and other biologically reactive substances; in carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism ... There are a great many vital processes involving organic acids.

What is special about them? Organic acids acquire unique chemical and biological properties due to their own elemental and functional composition of molecules. A certain sequence of connecting atoms of different nature and the specificity of their combination give the substance individual characteristics and features of interaction with others.

Qualitative composition of organic substances

The main brick, a kind of monometer of all living things, is carbon, or, as it is also called, carbon. All "skeletons" are built from it - basic structures, skeletons - organic compounds and acids as well. In second place in terms of prevalence is hydrogen, another name for the element is hydrogen. It fills the valences of carbon free from connection with other atoms, gives the molecules volume and density.

The third is oxygen, or oxygen, it combines with carbon as part of groups of atoms, giving a simple aliphatic or aromatic substance completely new characteristics, for example, oxidizing ability. Next in the range of prevalence is nitrogen, its contribution to the properties of organic acids is special, there is a separate class of amine-containing compounds. Also in organic compounds there are sulfur, phosphorus, halogens and some other elements in much smaller quantities.

Other organic substances are also separated into a separate class. Nucleic acids are phosphorus- and nitrogen-containing biological polymers built from monomers - nucleotides, forming the most complex structures of DNA and RNA.

Substantiation of chemical identity

The determining factor of difference from other substances is the presence in the compound of such an association of atoms, which has a strict sequence of their binding to each other and carries a kind of genetic code of the class, like a functional group of organic acids. It is called carboxyl, consists of one carbon atom, hydrogen and two oxygen, and, in fact, combines carbonyl (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) groups.

The constituent parts interact at the electronic level, generating the individual properties of acids. In particular, carbonyl addition reactions are not inherent in them, and the ability to donate a proton is several times higher than that of alcohols.

Structural features

What happens at the electronic level of mutual influence in the functional group of the organic acid class? The carbon atom has a partially positive charge due to the pulling of the bond density to oxygen, in which the ability to hold it is much higher. The oxygen from the hydroxyl part has an unshared pair of electrons, which now begins to be attracted to carbon. This reduces the density of the oxygen-hydrogen bond, as a result of which the hydrogen becomes more mobile. For the compound, acid-type dissociation becomes possible. A decrease in the positive charge of carbon causes the termination of the addition processes, as already mentioned above.

The role of specific fragments

Each functional group has individual properties and gives them to the substance in which it is contained. The presence of several in one excludes the possibility of giving certain reactions that previously distinguished specific fragments separately. This is an important feature that characterizes organic chemistry. Acids can contain groups containing nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, halogens, etc.

Class of carboxylic acids

The most famous group of substances from the entire family. It should not be assumed that only compounds of this class are all organic acids. Carbon representatives are the most numerous group, but not the only one. There are, for example, sulfonic acids, they have a different functional fragment. Of these, aromatic derivatives, which are actively involved in the chemical production of phenols, have a special status.

There is another significant class belonging to such a section of chemistry as organic substances. Nucleic acids are separate compounds that require individual consideration and description. They have already been briefly mentioned above.

Carbonic representatives of organic substances contain a characteristic functional group in their composition. It is called carboxyl, the specifics of its electronic structure is described earlier. It is the functional group that determines the presence of strong acidic properties, due to the mobile hydrogen proton, which is easily split off during dissociation. The weakest of this series is only acetate (acetic).

Classification of carboxylic acids

According to the type of structure of the hydrocarbon skeleton, aliphatic (rectilinear) and cyclic are distinguished. For example, propionic, heptanoic, benzoic, trimethylbenzoic carboxylic organic acids. By the presence or absence of multiple bonds - limiting and unsaturated - butyric, acetic, acrylic, hexene, etc. Depending on the length of the skeleton, there are lower and higher (fatty) carboxylic acids, the category of the latter begins with a chain of ten carbon atoms.

The quantitative content of a structural unit, such as a functional group of organic acids, is also the principle of classification. There are one-, two-, three- and multi-base ones. For example, formic carboxylic acid, oxalic, citric and others. Representatives containing, in addition to the main group, also specific groups are called heterofunctional.

Modern nomenclature

To date, in chemical science, two methods are used to name compounds. Rational and systematic nomenclature have largely the same rules, but differ in some details of naming. Historically, there have been trivial "names" of compounds that were given to substances based on their inherent chemical properties, location in nature, and other points. For example, butanoic acid is called butyric acid, propenoic acid is called acrylic acid, diureidoacetic acid is called allantoic acid, pentanoic acid is called valeric acid, etc. Some of them are now allowed to be used in rational and systematic nomenclature.

Stepwise Algorithm

The way of constructing the names of substances, including such as organic acids, is as follows. First you need to find the longest hydrocarbon chain and number it. The first number must be in close proximity to the branching of the end, so that the substituents of hydrogen atoms in the skeleton receive the smallest locants - numbers indicating the numbers of carbon atoms with which they are associated.

Next, you need to find the main functional group, and then identify the rest, if any. So, the name consists of: listed in alphabetical order and with the corresponding locants substituents, the main part speaks of the length of the carbon skeleton and its saturation with hydrogen atoms, in the penultimate turn, belonging to the class of substances is determined, indicating a special suffix and the prefix di- or tri- for polybasic , for example, for carboxylic it is “-ovaya” and the word acid is written at the end. Ethanoic, methanedioic, propenoic, butic acid, hydroxyacetic, pentanedioic, 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic, 4-methylpentanoic and so on.

Main functions and their meaning

Many acids, both organic and inorganic, are invaluably important for people and their activities. Acting from the outside or being produced inside, they initiate many processes, participate in biochemical reactions, ensuring the proper functioning of the human body, and are also used by it in many other areas.

Hydrochloric (or hydrochloric) acid is the basis of gastric juice and the neutralizer of most unnecessary and dangerous bacteria that have entered the gastrointestinal tract. Sulfuric acid is an indispensable raw material in the chemical industry. The organic part of the representatives of this class is even more significant - milk, ascorbic, acetic and many others. Acids change the pH environment of the digestive system to the alkaline side, which is essential to maintain normal microflora. In many other aspects, they have an irreplaceable positive impact on human health. It is absolutely impossible to imagine industry without the use of organic acids. All this works only thanks to their functional groups.

Found in pure form in plants, as well as taking the form of salts or esters - organic compounds

In the free state, such polybasic hydroxy acids are found quite often in fruits, while compounds are characteristic primarily of other elements of plants, such as stems, leaves, and so on. If you look at organic acids, their list is constantly growing and, on the whole, is not closed, that is, regularly replenished. Already discovered such acids as:

adipic,

benzoic,

dichloroacetic,

Valerian,

Glycolic,

Glutaric,

Lemon,

Maleic,

margarine,

oil,

Dairy,

Monochloroacetic,

Ant,

propionic,

salicylic,

Trifluoroacetic,

Fumarovaya,

Acetic,

sorrel,

Apple,

Succinic and many other organic acids.

Often such substances can be found in fruit and berry plants. Fruit plants include apricots, quince, cherry plum, grapes, cherries, pears, citrus fruits and apples, while berry plants include lingonberries, cherries, blackberries, cranberries, gooseberries, raspberries, black currants. They are based on tartaric, citric, salicylic, oxalic and organic acids, including many

To date, many properties of acids have been studied directly in the field of pharmacology and biological effects on the human body. For example:

firstly, organic acids are quite significant components of metabolism (metabolism, namely proteins, fats and carbohydrates);
secondly, they cause the secretory work of the salivary glands; promote acid-base balance;
thirdly, they take a significant part in increasing the separation of bile, gastric and pancreatic juices;
and finally, they are antiseptics.

Their acidity ranges from four whole to five and five.

In addition, organic acids play an important role in the food industry, acting as a direct indicator of the quality or poor quality of products. For the latter, the ion chromatography method is very often used, in which not only organic acids, but also inorganic ions can be detected at a time. With this method, conductometric detection with suppression of background electrical conductivity shows a result almost ten times more accurate than detection at low wavelengths of ultraviolet radiation.
Identification of the profile of organic acids in fruit juices is necessary not only to establish the quality of the drink, its acceptability for consumption, but also contributes to the identification of counterfeit.
If we consider the properties of carboxylic acids directly, then they primarily include:

Giving red color to litmus paper;

Easy solubility in water;

Present sour taste.

They are also an important electrical conductor. In terms of the strength of decomposition, absolutely all acids belong to the weak group of electrolytes, with the exception, of course, of formic acid, which, in turn, occupies an average value in terms of intensity. The height of the molecular weight of a carboxylic acid affects the strength of decomposition and has an inverse relationship. With the help of specifically defined metals, it becomes possible to isolate hydrogen and salt from acids, which occurs much more slowly than when interacting with such as sulfuric or hydrochloric. Salts also appear when exposed to basic oxides and bases.

Since I am a medical professional by profession, about the role of acids in human life I know enough. I will talk about those acids that are found in nature, as well as those that are the most important from a medical point of view.

Where are acids found in nature?

We encounter them every day, for example, raindrops seem clean only at first glance. In fact, they contain a lot of substances in dissolved form. For example, there is carbonic acid solution- carbon dioxide, or sulphuric acid, which is a consequence of the emission of exhaust gases. Our food is also rich in acids, for example, lactic acid in kefir or carbonic acid in soda. Thanks to hydrochloric acid in our body, digestion is possible, during which proteins are broken down for the synthesis of especially important elements - amino acids.

organic acids

However, the most important for life on our planet are organic acids that play a particularly important role in the life cycle. The basis of a person is cells, consisting of protein and proteins, so we need to eat to replenish the supply of these substances. However, only those are important for nutrition proteins that contain amino acids. But what are amino acids? There are over 165 species, but only 20 are of value to the body, which act as main structural unit every cell.

Our the body can only synthesize 12 of course, as long as you eat well. The remaining 8 cannot be synthesized, but only obtained from the outside:

valine- supports the exchange of nitrogen compounds. Dairy products, as well as mushrooms;
lysine- the main purpose is the absorption, distribution of calcium in the body. Meat, as well as bakery products;
phenylalanine- Supports brain activity and blood circulation. Present in beef, soy and cottage cheese;
tryptophan- one of the key components of the vascular system. Oats, bananas and dates;
threonine- plays a role in the immune system, regulates the functioning of the liver. Dairy products, chicken eggs;
methionine- strengthening the heart muscle. Present in beans, eggs;
leucine- Helps restore bones and muscles. It is found in abundance in nuts and fish;
isoleucine- determines the level of sugar in the blood. Seeds, liver, chicken.

With a deficiency of one acid the body is not able to synthesize the necessary protein, which means that it is forced to select the necessary elements from other proteins. it leads to a general imbalance, which develops into a disease, and in childhood causes mental and physical disabilities.

Fruits, vegetables, some herbs and other substances of plant and animal origin contain substances that give them a specific taste and aroma. Most organic acids are found in various fruits, they are also called fruit acids.

The remaining organic acids are found in vegetables, leaves and other parts of plants, in kefir, as well as in all kinds of marinades.

The main function of organic acids is to provide optimal conditions for a full-fledged digestion process.

Products rich in organic acids:

General characteristics of organic acids

Acetic, succinic, formic, valeric, ascorbic, butyric, salicylic ... There are many organic acids in nature! They are present in juniper fruits, raspberries, nettle leaves, viburnum, apples, grapes, sorrel, cheese, and shellfish.

The main role of acids is to alkalize the body, which maintains the acid-base balance in the body at the required level within pH 7.4.

Daily requirement for organic acids

In order to answer the question of how much organic acids should be consumed per day, you need to deal with the issue of their effect on the body. Moreover, each of the above acids has its own special effect. Many of them are consumed in quantities from tenths of a gram and can reach 70 grams per day.

The need for organic acids is increasing:

with chronic fatigue;
with low stomach acid.

The need for organic acids is reduced:

in diseases associated with a violation of the water-salt balance;
with increased acidity of gastric juice;
in diseases of the liver and kidneys.

Absorption of organic acids

Organic acids are best absorbed with the right lifestyle. Gymnastics and rational nutrition lead to the most complete and high-quality processing of acids.

All the organic acids that we consume during breakfast, lunch and dinner go very well with baked goods made from durum wheat. In addition, the use of vegetable oil of the first cold pressing can significantly improve the quality of the absorption of acids.

Smoking, on the other hand, is able to convert acids into nicotinic compounds that have a negative effect on the body.

Useful properties of organic acids, their effect on the body

All organic acids present in foods have a beneficial effect on the organs and systems of our body. At the same time, salicylic acid, which is part of raspberries and some other berries, relieves us of the temperature, having antipyretic properties.

Succinic acid, present in apples, cherries, grapes and gooseberries, stimulates the regenerative function of our body. Almost everyone can tell about the effects of ascorbic acid! This is the name of the famous vitamin C. It increases the body's immune forces, helping us to cope with colds and inflammatory diseases.

Tartronic acid counteracts the formation of fats during the breakdown of carbohydrates, preventing obesity and vascular problems. Contained in cabbage, zucchini, eggplant and quince. Lactic acid has an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It is found in large quantities in yogurt. Available in beer and wine.

Gallic acid, which is found in tea leaves, as well as in oak bark, will help you get rid of the fungus and some viruses. Caffeic acid is found in the leaves of coltsfoot, plantain, artichoke and Jerusalem artichoke shoots. It has an anti-inflammatory and choleretic effect on the body.

Interaction with essential elements

Organic acids interact with certain vitamins, fatty acids, water and amino acids.

Signs of a lack of organic acids in the body

avitaminosis;
violation of the assimilation of food;
skin and hair problems;
digestive problems.

Signs of excess organic acids in the body

thickening of the blood;
digestive problems;
violations of the kidneys;
joint problems.

Organic acids for beauty and health

Organic acids consumed with food have a beneficial effect not only on the internal systems of the body, but also on the skin, hair, and nails. In addition, each of the acids has its own special effect. Succinic acid improves the structure of hair, nails and skin turgor. And vitamin C has the ability to improve the blood supply to the upper layers of the skin. That gives the skin a healthy look and radiance.