TChem_Chapter_10__Anticoagulants__Water_Treatments__and_Fragrances

ThanatoChemistry: Chapter 10 Overview

Anticoagulants, Water Treatments, and Fragrances

• This chapter covers the properties and applications of various carboxylic acids and esters.

Chapter 10 To-Do’s

• Differentiate between a Carboxylic Acid and an Ester

  • Structural differences and unique characteristics.

• Types of Carboxylic Acids

  • Monocarboxylic Acids

  • Polycarboxylic Acids

  • Salts of Carboxylic Acids

• Applications

  • Anticoagulants and water treatments using carboxylic acids.

  • Explain the role of EDTA as an embalming fluid additive.

• Functions of Esters

  • Review how esters are used in embalming & significance of thioesters.

Carboxylic Functional Group

• Definition: Functional groups with a -COOH (carboxylic acid) structure.

• Types: Can bind to -OH groups or -OR’ of esters and interact with electronegative atoms such as halides, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Carboxylic Acids

• Characteristics

  • At least one -COOH group.

  • Formed from a carbonyl (-CHO) and hydroxyl (-OH) group.

  • Weak acids, dissociating to produce hydronium ions and conjugate bases.

  • Naturally occur in fats; referred to as fatty acids.

Naming Carboxylic Acids

• Derived from alkanes; change “-e” to “-oic acid” for naming.

• Monocarboxylic Acids:

  • Single carboxylic group.

  • Examples:

    • Formic Acid: Found in ants ("formica" means ant).

    • Acetic Acid: Commonly known as vinegar.

    • Propionic Acid: Associated with body odor and it's one of the earliest identified fatty acids.

Polycarboxylic Acids

• Definition: Contain 2 or more carboxylic groups.

• Dicarboxylic Acids

  • Contain two carboxylic groups.

  • Grow by adding methylene groups in the center.

  • Example: Oxalic Acid is neutralized by strong bases to form di-metal oxalates, functioning as anticoagulants and water softeners.

Tricarboxylic Acids

• Definition: Contain three carboxyl groups.

• Example: Calcium Acetate

  • Water-soluble; forms when calcium ions react with acetic acid.

  • Used in dissolving hard water deposits.

• Citric Acid:

  • Has 3 carboxylic acid groups plus 1 hydroxy group.

  • Salts utilized in embalming: Sodium Citrate and Potassium Citrate, prevent calcium participation in clotting reactions.

Salts of Carboxylic Acids

• Formation: Produced by reacting carboxylic acid with a strong base (e.g., NaOH) leading to metal carboxylate salt and water.

• Uses:

  • In the food industry & funeral operations such as anticoagulants.

    • Sodium oxalate is used to prevent calcium from precipitating out of blood.

    • Potassium citrate also plays a role in sequestering calcium in various applications.

EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)

• Polycarboxylic acid, colorless and water-soluble.

• Function: Sequesters metal ions, particularly calcium, reducing their reactivity and preventing clotting in embalming practices.

• Medical Uses: Treats heavy metal poisoning and removes excess iron from the body.

Ester Creation

• Reaction: Carboxylic acid + alcohol → ester + water

  • Process referred to as "esterification."

• High Molecular Mass Esters:

  • Includes glycerides; major components of lipids in fats and oils.

• Low Molecular Mass Esters:

  • Represented by pheromones and various scents.

Esters in Embalming

• Methyl Salicylate:

  • Derived from phenol; has antiseptic properties, aromatic scent like wintergreen, and masks formaldehyde's odor.

Thioesters

• Similar in reaction to carboxylic acids but with sulfur replacing the linking oxygen atom.

• Formation: Thioester is created from carboxylic acid and thioalcohol.

• Biological Importance: Thioester compounds such as Acetyl Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) are essential in the Krebs Cycle, reflecting their vital role in ATP production.