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Cysteine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H7NO2S
CAS number
52-90-4
IUPAC name
2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid
State
State

Cysteine is typically in a solid state at room temperature. It is generally encountered as a solid powder form in laboratory or commercial preparations.

Melting point (Celsius)
240.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
513.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
240.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
513.15
General information
Molecular weight
121.16g/mol
Molar mass
121.1580g/mol
Density
1.3405g/cm3
Appearence

Cysteine appears as a white crystalline solid. It typically looks like colorless to pale yellow crystals or a white crystalline powder. Its appearance can vary depending on the level of purity and the form in which it's prepared, but it is generally a stable compound under normal conditions.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid (C3H7NO2S)

2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid, commonly known as cysteine, exhibits interesting solubility properties that are significant in various chemical and biological contexts.

Key Points on Solubility:

  • Aqueous Solubility: Cysteine is highly soluble in water, primarily due to its polar amino and carboxyl groups, which engage in hydrogen bonding with water molecules.
  • Effects of pH: The solubility of cysteine can be influenced by the pH of the solution. In acidic or basic conditions, it can exist in different ionic forms, affecting its solubility.
  • Solvent Influence: Cysteine is less soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and ether due to their non-polar nature, which contrasts with the polar character of cysteine.
  • Temperature Dependency: Like most solutes, the solubility of cysteine increases with temperature, allowing more of the compound to dissolve in solution.

In summary, the solubility profile of 2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid in water varies with ambient conditions and solution characteristics. This highlights its versatility and importance in biochemical applications, including protein structure stabilization and metabolic reactions. As stated by many chemists, "The solubility of substances is a fundamental property that often dictates their reactivity and function in biological systems."

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid

2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid, also known as cysteine, is an important amino acid that plays a crucial role in various biological processes. Here are some intriguing facts about this compound:

  • Building Block of Proteins: Cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can synthesize it from other compounds. It is a key building block of proteins, contributing to their structural integrity.
  • Contains Sulfur: Cysteine is unique among the amino acids because it contains a thiol (-SH) group. This sulfur atom is responsible for forming disulfide bonds, which are vital for stabilizing the three-dimensional structures of proteins.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Cysteine plays a significant role in the body's antioxidant defenses. It is a precursor to glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative stress and damage.
  • Involved in Metabolism: This amino acid is involved in various metabolic processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters and the metabolism of certain drugs.
  • Food Sources: Cysteine can be obtained from high-protein foods such as poultry, eggs, dairy products, and legumes. It is also available as a dietary supplement.
  • Biological Relevance: Due to its role in various biochemical pathways, cysteine is essential for processes like detoxification, and immune response, and it promotes the healing of wounds.

Overall, cysteine is a fascinating compound with numerous functions in both health and disease. Its unique structure and properties make it a subject of intense research in the fields of biochemistry and medicine.

Synonyms
DL-Cysteine
3374-22-9
2-Amino-3-mercaptopropanoic acid
DL-Cystein
2-amino-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
CYSTEINE, DL-
(+/-)-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid
150146-94-4
MFCD00004881
5CM45Q5YAF
L-HSCH2CH(NH2)COOH
DTXSID5046988
CHEBI:15356
NSC-63864
NSC647530
H-Cys-OH HCl HO
NCGC00160365-01
L-CYSTEINE (15N)
Zystein
Hcys
(+-)-Cysteine
DTXCID3026988
dl-Cysteina [Polish]
dl-Cysteina
NSC 63864
CAS-3374-22-9
EINECS 222-160-2
UNII-5CM45Q5YAF
L-Cysteine from non-animal source
Cisteine
CCRIS 8598
d,l-cysteine
MFCD00066461
Cysteine #
2-amino-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid
[35s]cysteine
Cysteine;Half-cystine
D-CYCSTEINE
DL-Cysteine, technical grade
CHEMBL54943
CYSTEINE, DL- [II]
2-Amino-3-mercaptopropanoicacid
BDBM86203
L-Cysteine, Cell Culture Reagent
HMS3741A05
2-azanyl-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid
BCP29196
CAS_5862
NSC_5862
NSC63864
Tox21_111766
BBL012104
DL-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid
STK123088
AKOS000120488
AKOS016050520
Tox21_111766_1
AB02703
CS-W013566
FC52445
HY-W012850
NSC-647530
NCGC00160365-02
NCGC00248803-03
BS-11080
SY009625
SY033653
DB-048483
DB-052203
DB-057289
DB-264857
NS00083856
EN300-18222
C00736
Z00059
A821916
SR-01000944791
SR-01000944791-1
Q27089394
Q27115095
F1652-0636
967F57EB-6B67-4DBB-B592-83B1465053AE
DL-2-Amino-3-mercaptopropionic acid;2-Amino-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
84012-74-8