Advances in detecting α-dicarbonyl compounds: Insights from spectroscopic techniques

The α-dicarbonyl compounds are glycolysis metabolites with high reactivity that can cause damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and other macromolecules, leading to various chronic diseases. The rapid and accurate detection of α-dicarbonyl compounds in organisms is of great significance for understanding their roles in the initiation and progression of chronic diseases. Spectroscopic techniques, known for their effectiveness, sensitivity, and ease of use, are widely employed for this purpose. This review provides a concise overview of the analytical strategies and performance of spectroscopic techniques used in detecting α-dicarbonyl compounds, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. Additionally, this review highlights the advancements and trends in the detection of α-dicarbonyl compounds.