Biotin Why it is polar

Question

Why is biotin Polar?

What are the functions of polar and non polar?

The hydrogen bonding in biotin?

what are the attractive intermolecular forces in biotin?

I am trying to find information and research but running on a dead end.

Is biotin polar because it is covalently bonded to proteins? Is the intermolecular bond hydrogen bonded because of its NH groups? This is what I am getting but I am not sure.

Answer 1

Hey Frank! I tried filming a video response to your question, but the system was having difficulties. I can try again tomorrow to film the video, but will explain here.

Biotin is a polar structure due to the greater presence of polar bonds over hydrocarbon. The polar bonds present is the carbonyl group (C=O), the amine groups (N-H), and the carboxylic acid (COOH). Atoms like carbon and hydrogen have a partially positive charge and are electron donating due to their low electronegativity. Atoms like nitrogen and oxygen are highly electronegative, have lone electron pairs, and hold a partially negative charge that pull electron density away from the carbon and hydrogen atoms, creating a polar bond. Polar bonds are more reactive in reactions as they have more tendency for substitution and ionization. Therefore, its polarity can lead to bonding with other proteins and molecules.

In terms of hydrogen bonding there are donors including amines (N-H) and alcohols (O-H) and hydrogen bond acceptors which include nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine atoms, which have lone pairs available and not bonded to a hydrogen (carbonyl oxygen also included). Biotin can hydrogen bond with other molecules in solution.

Let me know if you have any further questions or need further assistance, Frank!