Glutaric acid, a dicarboxylic acid, possesses relevance in everyday life as it serves as a crucial intermediate in the synthesis of various industrial products, such as polymers and pharmaceuticals. Furthermore, it is also utilized in the production of certain food additives and flavorings. Despite its relatively limited direct application in consumer products, the significance of glutaric acid lies in its role as a key building block for numerous essential chemicals that contribute to modern society’s myriad of goods and services.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Glutaric acid, also known as pentanedioic acid, finds various commercial and industrial applications due to its chemical properties. It is commonly used in the production of polymers such as polyesters and polyamides, which are utilized in the manufacturing of textiles, plastics, and adhesives. Glutaric acid is also employed in the synthesis of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals.
In the realm of drug and medication applications, glutaric acid has been utilized in the development of certain pharmaceutical compounds. It is known to act as a precursor in the synthesis of drugs such as gabapentin, which is used to treat epilepsy and chronic pain conditions. Additionally, glutaric acid derivatives have shown potential in the field of drug discovery for various therapeutic purposes.
Overall, glutaric acid’s versatility makes it a valuable compound in a range of commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. Its chemical structure and properties make it a crucial component in the production of various materials and pharmaceuticals, thus highlighting its significance in multiple industries.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Glutaric acid is a colorless, odorless crystalline solid at room temperature. It is soluble in water and has a faint acrid odor when heated.
The molar mass of glutaric acid is approximately 132.12 g/mol, with a density of about 1.429 g/cm³. This places it in between common household items such as sugar (molar mass of 342.30 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm³) and salt (molar mass of 58.44 g/mol, density of 2.165 g/cm³).
Glutaric acid has a melting point of 95-98°C and a boiling point of 302°C. This places it in the range of common household items such as butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point above 100°C) and water (melting point of 0°C, boiling point of 100°C).
Glutaric acid is moderately soluble in water and has a high viscosity compared to many common household items. This places it in between substances like sugar (high solubility, low viscosity) and oil (low solubility, high viscosity).
🏭 Production & Procurement
Glutaric acid is primarily produced through the oxidation of cyclopentanone using potassium permanganate as a catalyst. This reaction yields a mixture of glutaric acid and adipic acid, which can be separated by fractional distillation.
Glutaric acid can also be obtained commercially from petrochemical sources or by fermentation of renewable resources such as glucose. The acid is produced in large quantities in industrial settings, where it is used in the production of polymers, pharmaceuticals, and food additives.
Once produced, glutaric acid can be transported in bulk via tank trucks or rail cars to various industries that utilize it in their manufacturing processes. The acid is typically stored in large chemical storage tanks at industrial facilities to ensure a constant and reliable supply for production purposes.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for Glutaric acid:
When handling Glutaric acid, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat to prevent skin contact, eye irritation, and inhalation of vapors. It is recommended to work in a well-ventilated area or use a fume hood to minimize exposure. In case of accidental ingestion or skin contact, seek medical attention immediately and provide the physician with the Safety Data Sheet for proper treatment guidance.
Pharmacology of Glutaric acid:
Glutaric acid is a dicarboxylic acid that plays a crucial role in intermediary metabolism as a key metabolite in the catabolic pathways of lysine, hydroxylysine, and tryptophan. It is involved in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and serves as a precursor for the synthesis of several important biomolecules such as neurotransmitters and glutathione. Glutaric acid is excreted in urine as glutaryl-CoA-derived metabolites and serves as a biomarker for metabolic disorders such as glutaric aciduria and multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency.
Hazard Statements for Glutaric acid:
Glutaric acid may cause skin irritation, eye irritation, and respiratory irritation upon exposure. It is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Prolonged or repeated exposure may lead to dermatitis or respiratory sensitization. It is important to handle Glutaric acid with caution and adhere to proper safety protocols to prevent adverse health effects.
Precautionary Statements for Glutaric acid:
When working with Glutaric acid, avoid contact with skin, eyes, and clothing. Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid inhaling vapors. In case of skin contact, immediately wash with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical attention. If swallowed, do not induce vomiting and seek immediate medical advice. Store Glutaric acid in a cool, dry place away from incompatible materials. Ensure proper labeling and segregation from food and feed products.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for glutaric acid is exploring its use as a building block in organic synthesis. Given its versatile reactivity and potential for functionalization, researchers could investigate novel approaches for its incorporation into biologically active compounds or advanced materials.
Another area of interest could be the study of glutaric acid’s interactions with proteins and enzymes in biological systems. Understanding how glutaric acid influences the structure and function of biomolecules could provide insights into its role in various metabolic pathways and potential implications for human health.
Furthermore, research on the environmental fate and transport of glutaric acid could shed light on its behavior in soil and water systems. Investigating factors influencing its degradation and persistence could have implications for managing its presence in natural environments and mitigating potential environmental impacts.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Glutaric acid based upon molecular structure is Succinic acid. Succinic acid is a four-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C4H6O4. Like Glutaric acid, Succinic acid contains two carboxylic acid functional groups. In Succinic acid, the carboxylic acid groups are separated by a methylene group, giving it a linear molecular structure similar to Glutaric acid.
Another similar compound to Glutaric acid is Adipic acid. Adipic acid is a six-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C6H10O4. Similar to Glutaric acid, Adipic acid contains two carboxylic acid functional groups. The two carboxylic acid groups in Adipic acid are separated by two methylene groups, leading to a linear molecular structure comparable to Glutaric acid.
One more similar compound to Glutaric acid is Pimelic acid. Pimelic acid is a seven-carbon dicarboxylic acid with the chemical formula C7H12O4. Like Glutaric acid, Pimelic acid contains two carboxylic acid functional groups. In Pimelic acid, the carboxylic acid groups are separated by three methylene groups, resulting in a linear molecular structure akin to Glutaric acid.
