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Methionine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C5H11NO2S
CAS number
63-68-3
IUPAC name
2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid
State
State

Solid: At room temperature, Methionine is a solid. It is stable under normal conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)
281.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
554.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
219.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
492.15
General information
Molecular weight
149.21g/mol
Molar mass
149.2100g/mol
Density
1.3400g/cm3
Appearence

Methionine appears as a white crystalline powder or silky granules. It is typically odorless and has a slightly bitter taste.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of 2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid

The solubility of 2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid (often referred to as HMB) is an interesting aspect to consider, particularly when evaluating its applications in various fields. This compound is known for its unique structure which influences its solubility characteristics.

Factors Affecting Solubility

The solubility of HMB can be affected by several factors, including:

  • Polarity: The presence of the hydroxyl group (-OH) and the methylsulfanyl group (-S-CH3) contributes to its polar nature, allowing it to dissolve in polar solvents, such as water.
  • Temperature: As with many organic compounds, an increase in temperature typically enhances solubility, facilitating the interaction between the solute and solvent molecules.
  • pH Levels: The acidic group (-COOH) may ionize in alkaline solutions, affecting its solubility; thus, HMB's solubility may vary significantly with changes in pH.

General Solubility Traits

In general, 2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid exhibits:

  • High solubility in water due to its polar functional groups.
  • Reduced solubility in non-polar solvents, highlighting its selective solubility properties.
  • Potential solubility in alcohols, which can further facilitate its applications in formulations.

This compound, therefore, stands out in terms of its solubility profile, making it suitable for various biological and chemical applications. Understanding its solubility characteristics is crucial in utilizing HMB effectively in both research and practical applications.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about 2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid

2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid, commonly known as HMB (β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate), is a fascinating compound that garners attention in both the scientific community and the world of health and nutrition. This compound presents an array of intriguing attributes and applications:

  • Metabolite of Leucine: HMB is a metabolite of the essential amino acid leucine, which plays a critical role in protein synthesis and muscle repair.
  • Muscle Preservation: HMB is particularly well-known for its ability to help in muscle preservation and recovery. Studies have shown that it may reduce muscle protein breakdown, especially in individuals undergoing intense exercise or those who are experiencing muscle wasting.
  • Potential Benefits: Research has indicated potential benefits of HMB supplementation, including increased strength, improved endurance, and reduced muscle soreness. It has been especially considered for older adults and individuals recovering from surgery or illness.
  • Popular in Fitness: HMB has become a popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders, frequently marketed to enhance performance and promote muscle growth.
  • Safe for Consumption: Studies suggest that HMB is relatively safe when taken at recommended doses, with minimal side effects observed.

This compound is not only significant for its biological functions but also represents a bridge between nutrition and performance optimization in various fields:

  • Clinical Nutrition: Given its implications for muscle health, HMB is often utilized in clinical nutrition, particularly with patients experiencing muscle loss due to chronic diseases.
  • Research Interest: Ongoing research continues to explore various applications of HMB, including its roles in recovery protocols and its potential in age-related sarcopenia (muscle loss).

In conclusion, 2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanyl-butanoic acid is a remarkable compound with implications that extend beyond simple biochemistry. As Socrates once said, "No man has the right to be idle," and the exploration of compounds like HMB embodies the relentless quest for knowledge in optimizing health and physical performance.

Synonyms
2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid
583-91-5
Desmeninol
2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid
Desmeninol [INN]
MHA acid
Butanoic acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-
2-hydroxy-4-methylsulfanylbutanoic acid
2-hydroxy-4-(methylsulfanyl)butanoic acid
2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid
Butyric acid, 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-
alpha-Hydroxy-gamma-(methylthio)butyric acid
gamma-(Methylthio)-alpha-hydroxybutyric acid
EINECS 209-523-0
DL-2-Hydroxy-4-methylthiobuttersaeure
alpha-Hydroxy-gamma-(methylmercapto)butyric acid
2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid
(RS)-3-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)buttersaeure
DESMENINOL [HSDB]
Z94465H1Y7
DESMENINOL [WHO-DD]
(+-)-2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid
DTXSID50862236
dl-2-hydroxy-4-methylthio-butanoic acid
desmeninolum
MHAFA
ALIMET, DESMENIDOL,
2Hydroxy4methylthiobuttersaeure
DTXCID20206108
2Hydroxy4(methylthio)butyric acid
2Hydroxy4(methylthio) butanoic acid
Butyric acid, 2hydroxy4(methylthio)
Butanoic acid, 2hydroxy4(methylthio)
alphaHydroxygamma(methylthio)butyric acid
gamma(Methylthio)alphahydroxybutyric acid
alphaHydroxygammamethylmercaptobutyric acid
DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butyric acid
alphaHydroxygamma(methylmercapto)butyric acid
BUTRYIC ACID, 2-HYDROXY-4-METHYLTHIO-
2-HYDROXY-4-(METHYLMERCAPTO)BUTYRIC ACID
209-523-0
2-hydroxy-4-methylthio-butanoic acid, (+-)
Alimet
MHA-FA
alpha-Hydroxy-gamma-methylmercaptobutyric acid
(+/-)-2-HYDROXY-4-(METHYLTHIO)BUTYRIC ACID
2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate
HSDB 5700
2-HYDROXY-4-(METHYLTHIO)BUTYRICACID
2-Hydroxy-4-methylthiobutanoic acid
UNII-Z94465H1Y7
4-methylsulfanyl-2-oxidanyl-butanoic acid
MFCD00070490
DL-2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid
SCHEMBL167046
CHEMBL2104213
CHEBI:137228
LMFA01050480
AKOS009157403
2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butyric acid
4857-44-7 (calcium[2:1] salt)
AS-87485
FH164805
DB-006142
H0654
NS00014670
(+/-)-2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid
EN300-103144
H11809
2-Hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butyric acid, tech grade
SR-01000944858
SR-01000944858-1
2-HYDROXY-4-METHYLTHIO-BUTANOIC ACID, (+/-)
Q27295171
2-HYDROXY-4-METHYLTHIO-BUTANOIC ACID, (+/-)-
Z788000926
120-91-2