chemical conjugation

The joining together of 2 compounds, especially covalent modification of lipophilic molecules with polar or ionic substituent(s). Conjugation thus serves to increase aqueous solubility for excretion of lipophilic compounds such as steroids, certain drugs or toxins. Substituents include: 1) glucuronide 2) sulfate 3) glycine 4) taurine Conjugation also refers to binding of anions with cations to neutralize charge for salts in non polar environments or as crystals.

General

chemistry conjugation

References

Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999