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Hemoglobin—An Inspiration for Research In Coordination Chemistry
Author(s) -
Buchler Johann Walter
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition in english
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 0570-0833
DOI - 10.1002/anie.197804071
Subject(s) - hemoglobin , chemistry , function (biology) , imitation , molecule , biochemistry , psychology , biology , evolutionary biology , organic chemistry , neuroscience
Hemoglobin transports oxygen in the blood and is responsible for its red color. Being one of the most closely studied proteins, it is entitled an “honorary enzyme”. This admirable natural substance invites chemists to copy it, imitate it, and vary or modify it. The first means a total synthesis of the original molecule, but such reproduction does not increase our knowledge of its function. In the case of imitation, the biochemical effect of the “original” ( i.e. hemoglobin) is achieved in full or in part with simpler molecules of similar structure, i.e. with models. Research is here directed at the function of hemoglobin. In the case of variation or modification the original molecule is changed to various extents, which reveals the factors underlying its action. In all three cases—reproduction, imitation, and modification—hemoglobin serves as an inspiration for research. The aim of the present review is to summarize recent investigations inspired by hemoglobin in the field of coordination chemistry. A brief outline of the coordination chemistry of the porphin system serves as an introduction.