Skip to main content

L-Leucine

ADVERTISEMENT
Identification
Molecular formula
C6H13NO2
CAS number
61-90-5
IUPAC name
2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid
State
State

At room temperature, L-Leucine exists in a solid state. Its crystallization and mechanical properties allow it to be handled in bulk as a dry powder, which is common in its applications such as in dietary supplements and food additives.

Melting point (Celsius)
293.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
566.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
308.60
Boiling point (Kelvin)
581.75
General information
Molecular weight
131.17g/mol
Molar mass
131.1740g/mol
Density
1.2933g/cm3
Appearence

This compound appears as a white crystalline powder. It is odorless and has a slightly bitter taste. The fine crystals can be needle-like or plate-like depending on the crystallization process used.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid (C6H13NO2)

2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid, commonly known as a form of amino acid, showcases interesting solubility properties due to its polar functional groups. When considering the solubility of this compound, we can highlight several key factors:

  • Polar Nature: The presence of both amino (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups increases polarity, leading to enhanced solubility in polar solvents like water.
  • Hydrogen Bonding: The ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules significantly aids in dissolving this compound, making it more soluble than many non-polar counterparts.
  • Temperature Dependence: Solubility can vary with temperature, typically increasing at higher temperatures, which is a common trend observed in many organic compounds.
  • pH Influence: Given its acidic and basic functional groups, the solubility of 2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid is also affected by the pH of the solution, potentially affecting its ionization state.

In summary, one can generally expect 2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid to be soluble in water, making it practical for various biochemical applications. Understanding its solubility behavior is crucial in fields such as biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, and nutrition.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic Acid

2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid, commonly known as meso-2,4-diamino-pentanoic acid, is a fascinating organic compound with a range of applications and properties that make it of great interest in the chemical and biological sciences. Here are some key points:

  • Biochemical Importance: This compound is a crucial intermediate in the biosynthesis of various amino acids and metabolites. Its role in metabolic pathways highlights the complexity of biochemical interactions.
  • Stereochemistry: 2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid possesses a unique symmetry in its molecular structure, making it a meso compound. This feature offers intriguing insights into optical activity and isomerism in organic chemistry.
  • Potential Applications: This amino acid derivative has potential uses in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the design of novel drug molecules and peptides.
  • Research Interest: Scientists studying protein structure and function often utilize 2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid as a building block, providing valuable information about amino acid interactions within proteins.
  • Nutritional Relevance: As a part of the amino acid family, it is important for understanding dietary protein synthesis and the nutritional requirements in various organisms.

In summary, 2-amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid serves as an excellent example of the interconnectedness of biochemical processes and organic synthesis. Its unique properties and applications make it an essential compound for both teaching and research in the fields of chemistry and biology.

Synonyms
4-Methylglutamic acid
2-amino-4-methylpentanedioic acid
14561-55-8
NSC41355
(2R,4R)-4-Methylglutamicacid
2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanedioic acid
NSC-41355
4 Methylglutamic Acid
4-Methylglutamic acid #
4-methyl-dl-glutamic acid
59685-03-9
CHEMBL38241
dl-4-Methyl-dl-glutamic acid
SCHEMBL1060785
DTXSID20932652
CHEBI:176455
NSC16564
NSC-16564
NCI60_003938