Heteroatom
In chemistry, a heteroatom (from Ancient Greek heteros 'different', and atomos 'uncut') is, strictly, any atom that is not carbon or hydrogen.[1]
Organic chemistry[edit]
In practice, the term is usually used more specifically to indicate that non-carbon atoms have replaced carbon in the backbone of the molecular structure. Typical heteroatoms are nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I),[2][3] as well as the metals lithium (Li) and magnesium (Mg).
Proteins[edit]
It can also be used with highly specific meanings in specialised contexts. In the description of protein structure, in particular in the Protein Data Bank file format, a heteroatom record (HETATM) describes an atom as belonging to a small molecule cofactor rather than being part of a biopolymer chain.[4]
Zeolites[edit]
In the context of zeolites, the term heteroatom refers to partial isomorphous substitution of the typical framework atoms (silicon, aluminium, and phosphorus) by other elements such as beryllium, vanadium, and chromium.[5] The goal is usually to adjust properties of the material (e.g., Lewis acidity) to optimize the material for a certain application (e.g., catalysis).
References[edit]
- ^ Housecroft, Catherine E.; Constable, Edwin C. (2006). Chemistry - An introduction to organic, inorganic and physical chemistry (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall. p. 945. ISBN 978-0131275676.
- ^ Senda, Y. (2002). "Role of the heteroatom on stereoselectivity in the complex metal hydride reduction of six-membered cyclic ketones". Chirality. 14 (2–3): 110–120. doi:10.1002/chir.10051. PMID 11835553.
- ^ Walling, Cheves (1968). "The Role of Heteroatoms in Oxidation". In Mayo, Frank R. (ed.). Oxidation of Organic Compounds. Advances in Chemistry. Vol. 75. pp. 166–173. doi:10.1021/ba-1968-0075.ch013. ISBN 9780841200760.
- ^ "Atomic Coordinate Entry Format Version 3.2". wwPDB. October 2008. Archived from the original on 2011-08-14.
- ^ Xu; Pang; Yu; Huo; Chen (2007). Chemistry of Zeolites and Related Porous Materials: Synthesis and Structure. p. 373. ISBN 978-0470822333.
External links[edit]
