Uses
An intermediate in the biosynthesis of Heme, found in the urine of patients with acute porphyria.
Definition
ChEBI: Porphobilinogen is a dicarboxylic acid that is pyrole bearing aminomethyl, carboxymethyl and 2-carboxyethyl substituents at positions 2, 3 and 4 respectively. It has a role as a metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It is a member of pyrroles, a dicarboxylic acid and an aralkylamino compound. It is a conjugate acid of a porphobilinogen(1-).
Biochem/physiol Actions
Intermediate in the biosynthesis of heme.
Purification Methods
Porphobilinogen recrystallises as the monohydrate (pink crystals) from dilute NH4 OAc solutions of pH 4, and is dried in vacuo. The hydrochloride monohydrate has m 165-170o(dec) (from dilute HCl). [Jackson & MacDonald Can J Chem 35 715 1957, Westall Nature 170 614 1952, Bogarad J Am Chem Soc 75 3610 1953, Beilstein 22/14 V 210.]
