CHAPTER 8: The Chemistry of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B₅)

Pantothenic acid is also called vitamin B₅. Pantothenic acid comprises β-alanine and 2,4-dihydroxy-3,3-dimethylbutyric acid (common name, pantoic acid). Pantothenic acid is stable under neutral conditions, but is readily destroyed by heat in alkaline or acid solutions. Pantothenic acid is more stable as sodium and calcium salts. In particular, the calcium salt is synthesized chemically and used pharmaceutically, mainly in solid multivitamin preparations and as an additive compound for some foods and domestic animal feeds. Pantothenic acid is biosynthesized to 4′-phosphopantetheine and coenzyme A, which have integral roles in the biosynthesis and oxidation of fatty acids. CoA consists of 4′-phosphopantetheine, AMP and phosphate has is renamed as phosphopantetheinyladenylate phosphate (abbreviated name, PPAP).