Heteroatom

In chemistry, a heteroatom (from Ancient Greek heteros 'different' and atomos 'uncut') is, strictly, any atom that is not carbon or hydrogen.^[1]

Pyridine is a heterocyclic compound and the heteroatom is nitrogen.

Organic chemistry

In practice, the term is mainly used more specifically to indicate that non-carbon atoms have replaced carbon in the backbone of the molecular structure. Typical heteroatoms are nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), and iodine (I),^[2][3] as well as the metals lithium (Li) and magnesium (Mg).

Proteins

It can also be used with highly specific meanings in specialised contexts. In the description of protein structure, in particular in the Protein Data Bank file format, a heteroatom record (HETATM) describes an atom as belonging to a small molecule cofactor rather than being part of a biopolymer chain.^[4]

Zeolites

In the context of zeolites, the term heteroatom refers to partial isomorphous substitution of the typical framework atoms (silicon, aluminium, and phosphorus) by other elements such as beryllium, vanadium, and chromium.^[5] The goal is usually to adjust properties of the material (e.g., Lewis acidity) to optimize the material for a certain application (e.g., catalysis).