noun
- a chemical reaction in which a carboxyl group (–COOH) is removed from an organic compound, typically releasing carbon dioxide.
Usage: chemistry; biochemistry
Examples
- Decarboxylation of pyruvate is a key step in cellular respiration.
- The enzyme catalyzes the decarboxylation of amino acids in the metabolic pathway.
- Heat-induced decarboxylation can occur when certain organic compounds are strongly heated.
- Decarboxylation reactions are essential in the synthesis of many pharmaceutical compounds.
- The decarboxylation of glucose derivatives produces important intermediates in energy metabolism.