Polyenes

Polyenes are a class of chemical compounds that have multiple alternating single and double bonds. They are a subset of the larger class of polyene compounds, which also includes compounds with non-alternating double bonds. Polyenes are notable for their ability to absorb light in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, which makes them useful in various applications.

Structure and properties

Polyenes have a chain of carbon atoms with alternating single and double bonds. The number of double bonds in the chain determines the compound's ability to absorb light, with more double bonds leading to absorption at longer wavelengths. This property is due to the conjugated nature of the double bonds, which allows for the delocalization of electrons along the chain.

Polyenes are generally colorless, but can appear colored if they contain enough conjugated double bonds. This is because the absorption of light in the visible region of the spectrum results in the transmission of the complementary color. For example, lycopene, a polyene found in tomatoes, has 11 conjugated double bonds and appears red.

Biological significance

Polyenes play important roles in biology. They are found in a variety of organisms, including plants, fungi, and bacteria, and are involved in a range of biological processes.

One of the most well-known polyenes is beta-carotene, which is found in carrots and other orange fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A, which is essential for vision, growth, and immune function.

Polyenes are also used in medicine as antifungal agents. These drugs, which include amphotericin B and nystatin, work by binding to ergosterol, a component of fungal cell membranes, and creating pores that lead to cell death.

See also

• Alkene
• Polyene antimycotic
• Carotenoid

Polyenes Resources
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