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L-Alanine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H7NO2
CAS number
56-41-7
IUPAC name
(2S)-2-aminopropanoic acid
State
State
L-alanine is a solid at room temperature and is commonly found in its crystalline form. It readily dissolves in water due to its zwitterionic nature, making it a commonly used amino acid in biochemical research and studies.
Melting point (Celsius)
297.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
570.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
287.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
560.15
General information
Molecular weight
89.09g/mol
Molar mass
89.0940g/mol
Density
1.4240g/cm3
Appearence

L-alanine is a white crystalline solid under standard conditions. It is commonly available as a powder or crystalline material and is known for its solubility in water.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2S)-2-aminopropanoic acid

(2S)-2-aminopropanoic acid, also known as L-alanine, exhibits interesting solubility properties that are significant for both its biochemical functions and practical applications. Being an amino acid, it is characterized by its ability to interact with water molecules through hydrogen bonding due to the presence of both an amine group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). This unique structure enhances its solubility in aqueous solutions.

Key Aspects of Solubility:

  • High Aqueous Solubility: L-alanine is readily soluble in water, with a solubility of approximately 16 g/100 mL at 20°C.
  • Temperature Dependence: The solubility may increase with higher temperatures, which is typical for many organic compounds.
  • Solvent Interaction: It is much less soluble in non-polar solvents due to its polar nature, underscoring the principle of "like dissolves like."

In summary, the solubility of (2S)-2-aminopropanoic acid is a clear reflection of its ionic character and ability to form hydrogen bonds, making it an essential component in various biochemical processes and a solvent-friendly compound in research and industrial applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About (2S)-2-Aminopropanoic Acid

(2S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid, commonly known as L-alanine, is one of the 20 standard amino acids vital for protein synthesis in living organisms. Here are some noteworthy points regarding this remarkable compound:

  • Amino Acid Structure: L-alanine consists of an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a side chain that is simply a methyl group. This straightforward structure makes it a non-polar, aliphatic amino acid.
  • Biological Role: As a key building block of proteins, L-alanine plays significant roles in metabolism. It is involved in the transamination process, indirectly contributing to glucose metabolism via gluconeogenesis.
  • Energy Source: During prolonged fasting or intense exercise, L-alanine can be converted to glucose, serving as an important energy source for the body. Thus, it holds particular importance in muscle health and overall energy metabolism.
  • Neurotransmitter Precursor: L-alanine is a precursor to other amino acids and neurotransmitters. It plays a vital role in neurotransmission, contributing to the central nervous system's overall balance.
  • Food Sources: This amino acid is abundantly found in various protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, and even in plant sources like soybeans and legumes.
  • Supplement Use: Due to its essential roles in energy production and muscle recovery, L-alanine is often included in dietary supplements, especially those aimed at athletes.

As a simple yet essential amino acid, (2S)-2-aminopropanoic acid plays a multitude of roles both in the human body and in various biochemical processes. Its influence extends beyond just being a component of proteins, affecting metabolism, energy production, and overall health.

Synonyms
L-alanine
56-41-7
alanine
H-Ala-OH
(S)-Alanine
L-alpha-alanine
(2S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid
(S)-2-Aminopropanoic acid
L-2-Aminopropionic acid
2-Aminopropionic acid
L-(+)-Alanine
L-2-Aminopropanoic acid
alpha-Alanine
(L)-Alanine
L-alpha-Aminopropionic acid
alpha-Aminopropionic acid
L-2-Aminopropionsaeure
(S)-(+)-Alanine
L-S-Aminopropionic acid
(S)-2-Aminopropionsaeure
2-Aminopropanoic acid, L-
Alaninum [Latin]
(S)-alpha-Aminopropionsaeure
Alaninum
Alanine (VAN)
ALANINE, L-
L-Alanin
Alanine [USAN:INN]
Alanina [DCIT,Spanish]
(S)-2-Aminopropionic acid
Propanoic acid, 2-amino-, (S)-
L-a-Aminopropionic acid
HSDB 1801
NSC 206315
25191-17-7
UNII-OF5P57N2ZX
EINECS 200-273-8
OF5P57N2ZX
MFCD00064410
L-Ala
CHEBI:16977
l alanine
CHEMBL279597
L-Isomer alanine
DTXSID20873899
EC 200-273-8
Alaninum (Latin)
Alanine, L isomer
Alanine, L-isomer
6898-94-8
ALANINE (II)
ALANINE [II]
a-Alanine
L-a-Alanine
115967-49-2
ALANINE (EP MONOGRAPH)
ALANINE [EP MONOGRAPH]
14C-L-Alanine
a-Aminopropionic acid
ALANINE (USP MONOGRAPH)
ALANINE [USP MONOGRAPH]
(C14)L-Alanine
.alpha.-Alanine
L-.alpha.-Alanine
NSC-206315
L-&alpha-alanine
SERINE IMPURITY A (EP IMPURITY)
SERINE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY]
VALINE IMPURITY A (EP IMPURITY)
VALINE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY]
Alanine (USP)
L-Alanine (9CI)
2-Ammoniopropanoate
.alpha.-Aminopropionic acid
LYSINE ACETATE IMPURITY C (EP IMPURITY)
LYSINE ACETATE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY]
L-Alanine, labeled with carbon-14
L-.alpha.-Aminopropionic acid
Ritalanine
Racemic alanine
L-aAlanine
a-Aminopropionate
L-Alanine, labeled with tritium
3h-l-alanine
L-Alanine Powder
Propanoic acid, 2-amino-, (S)
[3H]alanine
L-a-Aminopropionate
[14C]alanine
[3H]-alanine
alpha-Aminopropanoate
alpha-Aminopropionate
L-2-Aminopropanoate
L-2-Aminopropionate
L-Alanine,(S)
[14C]-alanine
Alanine (L-Alanine)
L-Alanine (Standard)
L-alpha-Aminopropionate
Tocris-0205
2-Ammoniopropanoic acid
ALA-OH
starbld0003382
L-Alanine (JP18)
(S)-2-Aminopropanoate
ALANINE [VANDF]
ALANINE [HSDB]
ALANINE [USAN]
ALANINE [INN]
alpha-Aminopropanoic acid
ALANINE [MI]
L-Ala-2
L-ALANINE [FCC]
L-ALANINE [JAN]
(S)-2-amino-Propanoate
ALANINE [WHO-DD]
L-Alanine, >=99%
bmse000028
bmse000994
L-CH3CH(NH2)COOH
L-ALANINE [USP-RS]
GTPL720
(S)-2-amino-Propanoic acid
26336-61-8
Alanine, L- (7CI,8CI)
GTPL4542
GTPL4543
HY-N0229R
L-Alanine, >=98% (TLC)
L-Alanine, 99%, natural, FG
DTXCID001012092
F4F207FF-8FF8-4789-99A1-147AE0A36673
HY-N0229
STR01663
L-Alanine, >=99.0% (NT)
AC-014
BDBM50000099
s5631
AKOS010367904
AKOS015840030
CCG-266017
CS-W020002
DB00160
FA00641
L-Alanine, purum, >=98.0% (NT)
NCGC00024494-01
130380-93-7
AC-24031
BP-13281
L-Alanine, BioUltra, >=99.5% (NT)
DB-029940
DB-179149
L-Alanine, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%
A0179
NS00100192
EN300-52621
C00041
D00012
D84362
SBI-0633494.0002
Q218642
SR-01000597687
SR-01000597687-3
BRD-K25125382-001-02-5
L-Alanine, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
(S)-2-Aminopropionic acid; L-alpha-Aminopropionic acid
Alanine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
F0001-2354
Z756424912
L-Alanine, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
L-Alanine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
200-273-8
77160-91-9
L-Alanine, from non-animal source, meets EP, USP testing specifications, suitable for cell culture, >=98.5%