Question

Lipoic acid is required by many microorganisms for proper growth. As a disulfide, it functions in the living system by catalyzing certain oxidation reactions and is reduced in the process. Write the structure of the reduction product.

Name: Problem 82, Chapter 13: Chemistry for Today: General, Organic, and Biochemistry
Uploaded: 2025-12-07T17:11:44-08:00
Duration: 10 min 16 s
Channel: Susan Hallstrom
Description: Lipoic acid is required by many microorganisms for proper growth. As a disulfide, it functions in the living system by catalyzing certain oxidation reactions and is reduced in the process. Write the structure of the reduction product.

   Lipoic acid is required by many microorganisms for proper growth. As a disulfide, it functions in the living system by catalyzing certain oxidation reactions and is reduced in the process. Write the structure of the reduction product.

Chemistry for Today: General, Organic, and Biochemistry

Spencer L. Seager,… 10th Edition

Chapter 13, Problem 82

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Susan Hallstrom

12/07/2025

Step 1

Lipoic acid is a compound that contains a disulfide bond (–S–S–) and has a bicyclic structure with a carboxylic acid group. Its chemical formula is C8H14O2S2. Show more…

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Lipoic acid is required by many microorganisms for proper growth. As a disulfide, it functions in the living system by catalyzing certain oxidation reactions and is reduced in the process. Write the structure of the reduction product.

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Key Concepts

Dihydrolipoic Acid

Dihydrolipoic acid is the reduced form of lipoic acid, where the cyclic disulfide bond has been converted into two sulfhydryl (–SH) groups. This reduced form participates in further biochemical redox reactions and is essential in maintaining the functionality and regulation of metabolic enzymes.

Disulfide Bond Reduction

Disulfide bonds are covalent bonds formed between two sulfur atoms in a dithiolane ring, which can be reduced to form two free thiol groups. This reduction process is crucial in redox biochemistry, allowing compounds to cycle between oxidized and reduced forms to catalyze oxidation-reduction reactions.

Lipoic Acid

Lipoic acid is a cofactor that plays an essential role in the enzymatic function of many organisms, particularly in oxidative decarboxylation reactions. It consists of a cyclic disulfide (a dithiolane ring) attached to an aliphatic chain, enabling its function as a redox-active group in various metabolic processes.

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