What Is Para Aminobenzoic Acid Structure Formula Properties and Uses
Para aminobenzoic acid is also known as aminobenzoic acid or 4-aminobenzoic acid. It is considered a growth factor in several microorganisms. For example, it is used in the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. Folic acid is important in the synthesis of bacteria. Therefore, the drug sulfanilamide is generally administered during bacterial infection since it targets the process of bacterial utilization of Para aminobenzoic acid during folic acid synthesis in these organisms.
However, vertebrates do not synthesize their own folic acid and rather take it as a nutritional supplement. Therefore, PABA benzoic acid is not used for DNA synthesis in vertebrates. However, it has other applications for vertebrates. For example, it is an essential component in Brewer’s yeast, used to make beer. Moreover, it is an active ingredient in different sunscreen lotions as it can act as a screen against harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Chemical Properties of Para Aminobenzoic Acid
Para aminobenzoic acid is also known as 4-aminobenzoic acid. It is so called since the functional group is attached to the fourth carbon in the benzene ring. Since this carbon is present in the para position, it is also called para aminobenzoic acid. Because of the benzene ring, Para aminobenzoic acid is considered an organic compound.
The formula for Para aminobenzoic acid is H2NC6H4CO2H. It is a white solid compound. However, you might find that the commercially available Para aminobenzoic acid is grey in color. The organic compound is slightly soluble in water. It has carboxyl and amino groups attached to the benzene ring.
Chemical Synthesis of Para Aminobenzoic Acid
In industries, Para aminobenzoic acid is prepared by two routes. In one of the processes, terephthalic acid is used. Monoamide is produced from terephthalic acid. Hoffman degradation of this monoamide results in the formation of Para aminobenzoic acid.
In another process, 4-nitrobenzoic acid is reduced to form Para aminobenzoic acid. This reaction takes place in a controlled manner. Para aminobenzoic acid can also be obtained from different food sources like Brewer’s yeast, liver, unfiltered beer, molasses, mushrooms, whole grains, and animal kidneys.
Use of Para Aminobenzoic Acid in DNA Synthesis
Para aminobenzoic acid is one of the chief constituents in the process of DNA synthesis in different organisms like bacteria, fungi, and plants. Even E.coli, the bacteria found in the human intestine, can produce Para aminobenzoic acid. The process of DNA synthesis using Para aminobenzoic acid is given below.
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Tetrahydrofolate synthesis pathway
Plants can produce PABA and folic acid in their chloroplast. However, humans cannot produce Para aminobenzoic acid in their cells. They lack the enzyme required for folic acid synthesis. Therefore, they require Para aminobenzoic acid as a food supplement, like green leafy vegetables.
Para aminobenzoic acid was once considered a vitamin for humans. It was termed Vitamin Bx. However, it is no longer considered a vitamin since the microbiome in the human intestine can produce Para aminobenzoic acid.
Para Aminobenzoic Acid Uses in the Medical Field
Since Para aminobenzoic acid is an essential component in the process of DNA synthesis in several bacteria, targeting this process can be an essential step in preventing bacterial growth following infection. Sulfanilamide drugs are designed to target this process so that the bacteria cannot synthesize their DNA.
The potassium salt of this drug is also used against several fibrotic skin disorders like Peyronie’s disease. The commercial name of this compound is called Potaba. If any patient suffers from irritable bowel syndrome, Para aminobenzoic acid can also be used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. It is also used for determining urinary nitrogen, potassium, and sodium levels. These are some of the prominent para aminobenzoic acid uses.
PABA Supplements For Nutritional Purposes
Till now, there are no known problems associated with Para aminobenzoic acid deficiency in humans. However, people who lack colonic bacteria can get affected by such a deficiency, requiring a PABA supplement. These PABA supplements can help them in the growth of new bacterial colonies in their intestine.
Many companies have claimed that Para benzoic acid has several nutritional values. It can be used as a supplement to treat depression, fatigue, weeping eczema, irritability, scleroderma, pigment loss from the skin in patches, and premature grey hair. Moreover, as stated earlier, it can block ultraviolet radiations and be used as an essential component of different sunscreen lotions. You can search for more Para aminobenzoic acid using keywords like ‘Para aminobenzoic acid Adalah.’
FAQs on Para Aminobenzoic Acid Structure Properties and Applications
1. What is para aminobenzoic acid (PABA)?
Para aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is an aromatic organic compound with the formula C7H7NO2 that contains both an amino (–NH2) group and a carboxylic acid (–COOH) group attached to a benzene ring in the para position. It is also called 4-aminobenzoic acid. In PABA, the –NH2 and –COOH groups are opposite each other on the benzene ring, which affects its chemical reactivity and hydrogen bonding. PABA is important in organic chemistry and biochemistry because it is a precursor in the synthesis of folic acid in microorganisms.
2. What is the chemical formula and molar mass of para aminobenzoic acid?
The chemical formula of para aminobenzoic acid is C7H7NO2 and its molar mass is approximately 137.14 g·mol-1. The molar mass is calculated as follows:
- Carbon (C): 7 × 12.01 = 84.07 g·mol-1
- Hydrogen (H): 7 × 1.008 = 7.06 g·mol-1
- Nitrogen (N): 1 × 14.01 = 14.01 g·mol-1
- Oxygen (O): 2 × 16.00 = 32.00 g·mol-1
3. Why is it called para aminobenzoic acid?
It is called para aminobenzoic acid because the amino (–NH2) group is positioned at the para (1,4-) position relative to the carboxylic acid (–COOH) group on the benzene ring. In aromatic nomenclature:
- Ortho (o-) means 1,2-disubstitution.
- Meta (m-) means 1,3-disubstitution.
- Para (p-) means 1,4-disubstitution.
4. Is para aminobenzoic acid an acid, a base, or both?
Para aminobenzoic acid is an amphoteric compound because it contains both an acidic –COOH group and a basic –NH2 group. The carboxylic acid group (–COOH) can donate a proton (H+), while the amino group (–NH2) can accept a proton to form –NH3+. In aqueous solution, PABA can form a zwitterion depending on pH, making it behave as both a weak acid and a weak base in acid–base reactions.
5. What functional groups are present in para aminobenzoic acid?
Para aminobenzoic acid contains two main functional groups: an amino group and a carboxylic acid group attached to a benzene ring. The key functional groups are:
- Amino group (–NH2) – a basic functional group.
- Carboxylic acid group (–COOH) – an acidic functional group.
- Aromatic benzene ring (C6H4) – provides aromatic stability.
6. How is para aminobenzoic acid prepared in the laboratory?
Para aminobenzoic acid is commonly prepared by the reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid to convert the –NO2 group into –NH2. A typical reaction is:
p-NO2C6H4COOH + 3H2(g) → p-NH2C6H4COOH + 2H2O(l)
This catalytic hydrogenation (using Ni, Pd, or Pt) reduces the nitro group to an amino group. The reaction must be balanced and controlled to avoid over-reduction.
7. What are the chemical properties of para aminobenzoic acid?
Para aminobenzoic acid shows chemical properties of both aromatic amines and carboxylic acids. Its main chemical behaviors include:
- Acid–base reactions: The –COOH group reacts with bases, e.g., C6H4(NH2)COOH + NaOH(aq) → C6H4(NH2)COO-Na+(aq) + H2O(l).
- Salt formation: Forms salts with strong bases.
- Esterification: The –COOH group reacts with alcohols in the presence of acid.
- Diazotization: The –NH2 group can form diazonium salts under cold acidic conditions.
8. What is the role of para aminobenzoic acid in biology?
Para aminobenzoic acid is a precursor in the biosynthesis of folic acid (vitamin B9) in bacteria. Microorganisms use PABA to synthesize folate, which is essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. This is why sulfonamide antibiotics act as competitive inhibitors of PABA, blocking folic acid production in bacteria and inhibiting their growth.
9. What is the difference between ortho, meta, and para aminobenzoic acid?
The difference between ortho, meta, and para aminobenzoic acid lies in the relative positions of the –NH2 and –COOH groups on the benzene ring. The positional isomers are:
- Ortho (2-aminobenzoic acid): Groups at 1,2-positions.
- Meta (3-aminobenzoic acid): Groups at 1,3-positions.
- Para (4-aminobenzoic acid): Groups at 1,4-positions.
10. How do you calculate the number of moles in a given mass of para aminobenzoic acid?
The number of moles of para aminobenzoic acid is calculated using the formula n = m / M, where M = 137.14 g·mol-1. Steps:
- Step 1: Measure the given mass (m) in grams.
- Step 2: Use the molar mass of PABA, 137.14 g·mol-1.
- Step 3: Apply the formula n = m / 137.14.
