Dipicolinic acid

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Dipicolinic acid
Dipicolinic acid structure.png
Names
IUPAC name
Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid
Other names
2,6-Pyridinedicarboxylic acid
Properties
C7H5NO4
Molar mass 167.12 g/mol
Appearance White crystalline solid
Odor Odorless
Density 1.639 g/cm3 (25 °C)
Melting point 250 °C (482 °F; 523 K)
0.5 g/100 ml (at 25 °C)
Solubility in acetic acid 1.25 g/100 ml (40 °C)
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Thermochemistry
727.74 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point 188 °C
Related compounds
Related compounds
Niacin
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Dipicolinic acid is a disubstituted pyridine derivative containing two carboxylic acid groups. It is commonly found in bacterial spores, as it confers heat resistance to the endospore. It is a powerful complexation agent and has several uses in biochemistry and transition metal chemistry.

Properties

Chemical

Dipicolinates are good chelation agents. There are multiple free electron pairs on the molecule, one on the lone nitrogen atom and two on oxygen atoms in the carboxylate groups, making it a tridentate ligand. Numerous metals will complex to the dipicolinate ion, most notably chromium and the lanthanides.

Physical

When dipicolinic acid is added to lanthanide ions, the dipicolinato groups are able to transfer the energy of ultraviolet light to the lanthanide ion, resulting in greater fluorescence. By substituting all of the water molecules which normally coordinate to a lanthanide ion, it reduces the absorption of ultraviolet light and fluorescence is enhanced, especially in solution.

Dipicolinic acid melts at 248-250°C.

Availability

Chromium dipicolinate is available as a supplement, but this is an impractical method of producing dipicolinic acid.

Preparation

Dipicolinic acid may be synthesized froom 2,6-dichloropyridine.

Projects

Handling

Safety

Dipicolinic acid is an irritant.

Storage

Dipicolinic acid should be kept in closed bottles.

Disposal

Should be mixed with a flammable organic solvent and incinerated.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads