Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Products Gammahydroxybutyrate is commercially available as an oral solution (Xyrem). It has been approved in many countries since 2006. The drug belongs to narcotics and requires an aggravated prescription. GHB is also known to be manufactured and trafficked illegally. Structure and properties The free γ-hydroxybutyric acid (C4H8O3, Mr = 104.1 g/mol) is a colorless and … Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Carboxylic Acids

Definition Carboxylic acids are organic acids with the general structure R-COOH (less commonly: R-CO2H). It is composed of a residue, a carbonyl group, and a hydroxyl group. The functional group is called the carboxy group (carboxyl group). Molecules with two or three carboxy groups are called dicarboxylic acids or tricarboxylic acids. An example of a … Carboxylic Acids

Butyric Acid: Function & Diseases

It smells penetratingly like vomit, and criminal figures take advantage of its stench and corrosive effect for attacks. Within our digestive system, however, butyric acid has an important function, and it is also a valuable raw material for medicine and chemistry. What is butyric acid? The name butyric acid is the trivial name for butanoic … Butyric Acid: Function & Diseases

Fatty Acids

Definition and structure Fatty acids are lipids consisting of a carboxy group and a hydrocarbon chain that is usually unbranched and may contain double bonds. The figure shows palmitic acid with 16 carbon atoms (C16): they typically exist in nature free or in the form of glycerides. Glycerides consist of a molecule of glycerol esterified … Fatty Acids

Clostridia: Infection, Transmission & Diseases

Clostridia are bacteria that form their own family. They cause various diseases that are usually treated with antibiotics. Other therapeutic approaches that promise lasting success include dietary changes and intake of pre- and probiotics. What are clostridia? Clostridia are gram-positive anaerobic rod-shaped bacteria that can cause different diseases in humans and animals, depending on which … Clostridia: Infection, Transmission & Diseases

Fatty Acids: Function & Diseases

Fatty acids are aliphatic monocarboxylic acids that have an unbranched carbon chain. According to their natural occurrence or chemical structure, saturated or unsaturated fatty acids can be distinguished. What are fatty acids? Based on their different chain lengths, fatty acids can be divided into lower, middle, and higher fatty acids, respectively. Natural fatty acids are … Fatty Acids: Function & Diseases