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L-Cysteine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C3H7NO2S
CAS number
52-90-4
IUPAC name
(2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, L-Cysteine is in a solid state. It is typically stable and stored as a dry powder to prevent degradation. It is also remarkably soluble in water, making it useful in aqueous chemical processes.

Melting point (Celsius)
240.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
513.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
252.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
525.00
General information
Molecular weight
121.16g/mol
Molar mass
121.1580g/mol
Density
1.3000g/cm3
Appearence

L-Cysteine appears as a white crystalline solid or powder. It is generally odourless but can have a slight sulphurous smell due to the presence of a thiol group. The crystals are often translucent and exhibit a glossy surface.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid

(2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid is a fascinating compound, known for its intriguing solubility properties. This compound exhibits a moderate solubility in aqueous solutions due to its polar functional groups.

Factors Influencing Solubility:

  • Presence of Polar Functional Groups: The amido (-NH₂) and carboxylic acid (-COOH) groups enhance its ability to interact with water.
  • Sulfanyl Group: The thiol (-SH) group can participate in hydrogen bonding, further increasing solubility in polar solvents.

Typically, the solubility of compounds like (2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid can be described as:

  1. High in Polar Solvents: Excellent solubility in water and alcohols due to strong intermolecular forces.
  2. Low in Nonpolar Solvents: Limited solubility in organic solvents like hexane or benzene, as these do not facilitate effective interactions.

As a result, this compound's solubility behavior underlines the significance of its functional groups, exemplifying the general principle that "like dissolves like." Understanding this can be crucial for applications in medicinal chemistry, where solubility can directly influence drug efficacy and bioavailability.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about (2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid

(2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid, often referred to in studies as a derivative of cysteine, is a fascinating compound with significant implications in biochemistry and pharmacology. Here are some intriguing points about this compound:

  • Biological Role: This compound is a key amino acid that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes. It is foundational for protein synthesis and serves as a building block in cellular functions.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Due to the presence of the sulfanyl group, this compound has antioxidant characteristics, allowing it to protect cells from oxidative stress and damage, making it an important subject in health studies.
  • Interaction with Metal Ions: The sulfanyl group in the structure has a strong affinity for metal ions, which can lead to the formation of complex structures beneficial in catalysis and metal ion transport.

Applications in Research and Medicine

Research around (2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid continues to grow due to its various applications:

  • Pharmaceutical Development: This compound serves as a potential precursor in the synthesis of novel pharmaceuticals targeted toward several diseases.
  • Clinical Nutrition: It also holds relevance in nutritional studies, especially related to protein-rich diets, affecting metabolism and overall health.
  • Biochemical Investigations: Scientists utilize it in biochemical assays to understand its behavior in different biochemical environments, revealing insights into cellular mechanisms.

As one delves deeper into the study of (2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanyl-propanoic acid, it becomes clear how profound its impact is on both the microscopic and macroscopic levels in health and disease. Its unique characteristics showcase the incredible complexity and utility of biochemical compounds.

Synonyms
(2R)-2-formamido-3-sulfanylpropanoic acid
N-formyl-L-cysteine
850-456-7
RefChem:397244
19538-78-4
CYSTEINE, N-FORMYL-, L-
4-04-00-03160 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
N-Formyl cysteine
BRN 1723891
N-formylcysteine
Formyl-L-cysteine
For-L-Cys-OH
SCHEMBL1538944
SCHEMBL27529709
DTXSID60173209
MFCD01736010
AKOS006352096
EN300-7564091