16009-13-5

Chemical Properties

Dark purple crystalline powder

Description

Hemin is a chemical compound used in various applications, including blood stain identification, biochemical research, and as a complexing agent. Medically, it is employed for the relief of recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria. Derived from processed red blood cells, Hemin contains a Fe2+ ion within its porphyrin ring and serves as an alternative iron source. Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting the production of porphyrins. Panhematin is a specific product associated with Hemin.

Uses

Relief of Acute Intermittent Porphyria (AIP): Administered as an injection for the relief of recurrent attacks of acute intermittent porphyria associated with the menstrual cycle, particularly when carbohydrate therapy is ineffective.
Alternative Iron Source: Serves as an alternative source of iron within the host.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Hemin, the oxidized version of heme, is an iron-containing prosthetic group for a diverse group of proteins. Free heme, which can be released from hemoglobin following hemolysis, is pro-inflammatory and contributes to iron-derived reactive oxygen species. Free hemin levels may be upregulated in various pathological conditions and can contribute to various inflammatory conditions including vascular disorders, renal failure, and immune-mediated disorders.Hemin may be used to study the expression and represson of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) as well as the activity of HO-1. Hematin is the "X factor" required to grown Haemophilus influenzae.

Purification Methods

Hemin is purified by recrystallisation from AcOH. Also, hemin (5g) is shaken in pyridine (25mL) till it dissolves, then CHCl3 (40mL) is added, the container is stoppered and shaken for 5minutes (releasing the stopper occasionally). The solution is filtered under slight suction, and the flask and filter are washed with a little CHCl3 (15mL). During this period, AcOH (300mL) is heated to boiling, and saturated aqueous NaCl (5mL) and conc HCl (4mL) are added. The CHCl3 filtrate is poured in a steady stream, with stirring, into the hot AcOH mixture and set aside for 12hours. The crystals are filtered off, washed with 50% aqueous AcOH (50mL), H2O (100mL), EtOH (25mL), Et2O and dried in air. [Fischer Org Synth Coll Vol III 442 1955, Beilstein 26 III/IV 3048.]