PROBLEM 12.41 - Organic Chemistry

Question

Question: One step in the degradation of fats involves the reaction of (R)-glycerol phosphate with NAD⁺  in the presence of the enzyme glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase. What products are formed if reaction occurs only at the 2° alcohol.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer

NAD +

NAD⁺ stands for Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide. It consists of two nucleotides joined through phosphate groups, nicotinamide (reactive part), and adenine base.

 

This coenzyme is often used for the oxidation of alcohol.

 

Reaction of (R)-glycerol phosphate with NAD +

• Oxidation of secondary alcohol with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide produces a ketone.
• Thus, (R)-glycerol phosphate reacts with nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide in the presence of enzyme glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase to give 3-hydroxy-2-oxopropyl phosphate.

Reaction of secondary alcohol with NAD⁺