Analog (chemistry)

In chemistry, analogs or analogues are compounds in which one or more individual atoms have been replaced, either with a different atom, or with a different functional group. Another use of the term in chemistry refers to a substance which is similar in structure to another substance. Analogues can sometimes cause complications when they have much differing functions from the compared substance. For instance, a person could have a Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) deficiency, but it may not show up in a Blood Test if cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) analogues are present. Pharmaceuticals are one area in which a lead compound found to have activity is elaborated by creating a family of analogs. Also transition state analogs are similar to the transition state in a enzyme catalysed reaction, but are not converted to the product themselves. Binding of transition state anologs allows scientists to learn more about the nature of enzyme catalysed reactions.


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