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L-Phenylalanine

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Identification
Molecular formula
C9H11NO2
CAS number
63-91-2
IUPAC name
(2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid
State
State

At room temperature, L-Phenylalanine is a solid. It is often found in a free-flowing powder form.

Melting point (Celsius)
283.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
556.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
270.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
543.15
General information
Molecular weight
165.19g/mol
Molar mass
165.1900g/mol
Density
1.2900g/cm3
Appearence

L-Phenylalanine appears as white, crystalline powder. It is typically found in the form of clear crystals or as a crystalline powder.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of (2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid (C9H11NO2)

(2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, commonly known as phenylalanine, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics due to its structural features. The compound contains both hydrophilic (amino and carboxylic acid) and hydrophobic (phenyl group) components, influencing its solubility in various solvents.

Solubility in Water:

Phenylalanine is generally soluble in water. This solubility can be attributed to the following:

  • The presence of the amino group, which can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
  • The carboxylic acid group is also polar, enhancing solubility.

Solubility in Organic Solvents:

In contrast, phenylalanine's solubility in organic solvents is considerably lower. The reasons include:

  • The phenyl group contributes to hydrophobic interactions, making the compound less compatible with non-polar solvents.
  • Consequently, it is poorly soluble in organic solvents such as hexane or chloroform.

In summary, the solubility of (2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid is a reflection of its dual nature, as it demonstrates considerable solubility in polar environments while showing limited solubility in non-polar settings. As such, the balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions plays a key role in the compound's solubility profile.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts About (2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic Acid

(2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid, commonly known as Phenylalanine, is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in human biology and nutrition. As a building block of proteins, it is vital for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Key Functions and Uses

  • Protein Synthesis: Phenylalanine contributes to the formation of proteins by linking with other amino acids.
  • Neurotransmitter Production: It is a precursor to important neurotransmitters that regulate mood, cognitive function, and stress response.
  • Dietary Importance: Being an essential amino acid means it must be obtained through diet, found in high-protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products.

Health Considerations

While most individuals benefit from normal levels of phenylalanine, certain health conditions necessitate caution:

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU): A genetic disorder where the body cannot metabolize phenylalanine properly, leading to toxic buildup. Individuals with PKU must adhere to a strict low-phenylalanine diet.
  • Supplementation: Phenylalanine is available as a dietary supplement, often touted for its potential benefits in mood enhancement and performance improvement.

Interesting Trivia

Did you know that phenylalanine can be converted into tyrosine in the body, which is vital for synthesizing hormones and melanin? This conversion signifies the interconnectedness of the amino acids and their roles within physiological processes.

In summary, (2S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanoic acid is not only a fundamental component of our diet but also has significant implications for health and wellness. Its importance in protein synthesis and neurotransmitter production underscores why understanding its role is crucial for both scientists and students alike.

Synonyms
L-phenylalanine
phenylalanine
63-91-2
(2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid
(S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid
3-Phenyl-L-alanine
(S)-Phenylalanine
(L)-Phenylalanine
3-Phenylalanine
(S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid
beta-Phenyl-L-alanine
Antibiotic FN 1636
fenilalanina
H-Phe-OH
L-Alanine, phenyl-
Alanine, 3-phenyl-
L-Antibiotic FN 1636
Phenylalaninum
(S)-alpha-Amino-beta-phenylpropionic acid
L-Alanine, 3-phenyl-
(S)-(-)-Phenylalanine
FEMA No. 3585
Phenylalanine (VAN)
beta-Phenylalnine, (-)-
Fenilalanina [Spanish]
Phenylalaninum [Latin]
(S)-alpha-Aminohydrocinnamic acid
Alanine, phenyl-, L-
endophenyl
(S)-alpha-Amino-benzenepropanoic acid
Phenylalanine, L-
HSDB 1825
Hydrocinnamic acid, alpha-amino-
phe
2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid, L-
NSC 79477
Phenylalamine
Phenylalanine [USAN:INN:JAN]
alpha-Aminohydrocinnamic acid, L-
alpha-Amino-beta-phenylpropionic acid, L-
Benzenepropanoic acid, alpha-amino-, (S)-
EINECS 200-568-1
phenylalanin
alpha-Aminohydrocinnamic acid
MFCD00064227
(-)-phenylalanine
L-Phe
laevo-phenyl alanine
UNII-47E5O17Y3R
CCRIS 4254
L-PHENYLALININE
CHEBI:17295
47E5O17Y3R
(-)-beta-Phenylalanine
NSC-79477
CHEMBL301523
DTXSID4040763
Phenylalanine [USAN:USP:INN:JAN]
Phenylalaninum (Latin)
PHENYLALANINE (II)
PHENYLALANINE [II]
2S-alpha-phenylalanine
PHENYLALANINE (MART.)
PHENYLALANINE [MART.]
Phenylalanine (L-Phenylalanine)
Alanine, phenyl-
PHENYLALANINE (EP MONOGRAPH)
PHENYLALANINE [EP MONOGRAPH]
Phenylalanine (USAN:USP:INN:JAN)
PHENYLALANINE (USP MONOGRAPH)
PHENYLALANINE [USP MONOGRAPH]
.beta.-Phenylalanine
Phenyl-.alpha.-alanine
L-.beta.-Phenylalanine
.beta.-Phenyl-L-alanine
(-)-.beta.-Phenylalanine
.alpha.-Aminohydrocinnamic acid
.beta.-Phenyl-.alpha.-alanine
Phenylalanine (USP/INN)
L-phenylaniline
Hydrocinnamic acid, .alpha.-amino-
1-phenylalanine
.beta.-Phenyl-.alpha.-alanine, l-
L-phenyl Alanine
PheOH
1usi
NCI9959
.alpha.-Amino-.beta.-phenylpropionic acid
Phenylalanine1532
racemic phenylalanine
Phenylalanine Phenolic
1f2p
alpha-Aminohydrocinnamate
L-Phenylalanine, 99%
beta-Phenyl-alpha-alanine
L-Phenylalanine (JP18)
PHENYLALANINE [MI]
bmse000045
bmse000900
bmse000921
bmse001016
PHENYLALANINE [INN]
L-Phenylalanine (Standard)
SCHEMBL8119
NCIStruc1_000204
NCIStruc2_000248
PHENYLALANINE [HSDB]
PHENYLALANINE [USAN]
PHENYLALANINE [VANDF]
(S)-alpha-Aminohydrocinnamate
L-Phenylalanine (H-Phe-OH)
L-PHENYLALANINE [FCC]
L-PHENYLALANINE [JAN]
L-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionate
L-PHENYLALANINE [FHFI]
L-Phenylalanine, 99%, FCC
PHENYLALANINE [WHO-DD]
GTPL3313
(S)-alpha-Aminobenzenepropanoate
DTXCID2020763
(S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoate
BDBM18073
HY-N0215R
(S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionate
1F9436B3-8B0D-4AC6-A004-4249B0BDA436
L-PHENYLALANINE [USP-RS]
L-Phenylalanine non-animal source
(S)-alpha-Amino-benzenepropanoate
L-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid
30394-07-1
HY-N0215
L-2-amino-3-phenyl-propionic acid
propanoic acid, 2-amino-3-phenyl-
(S)-alpha-Aminobenzenepropanoic acid
AC8117
CCG-37572
NCGC00013103
L-[2,3,4,5,6-3H]phenylalanine
(S)-alpha-Amino-beta-phenylpropionate
AKOS010373257
AKOS015853585
(S)-.alpha.-Aminobenzenepropanoic acid
DB00120
FP15788
L-Phenylalanine, Vetec(TM), 98.5%
L-Phenylalanine, reagent grade, >=98%
LEUCINE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY]
NCGC00013103-02
NCGC00013103-03
NCGC00013103-04
NCGC00013103-05
NCGC00095047-01
NCGC00095047-02
NCGC00095047-03
NCGC00095047-04
AC-22417
AS-14129
BP-20538
TYROSINE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY]
DB-029978
DB-266631
DB-266632
IS_PHENYLALANINE-2,3,4,5,6-D5
L-Phenylalanine, 99%, natural, FCC, FG
NATEGLINIDE IMPURITY D [EP IMPURITY]
NS00068215
P0134
Benzenepropanoic acid, .alpha.-amino-, (S)-
EN300-52626
L-Phenylalanine, BioUltra, >=99.0% (NT)
C00079
D00021
M02961
L-Phenylalanine, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%
Q170545
L-.ALPHA.-AMINO-.BETA.-PHENYLPROPIONIC ACID
L-Phenylalanine, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, >=98%
L-Phenylalanine, Cell Culture Reagent (H-L-Phe-OH)
LYSINE HYDROCHLORIDE IMPURITY B [EP IMPURITY]
F0001-2360
Z756430566
L-Phenylalanine, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R)
Phenylalanine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
L-Phenylalanine, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
L-Phenylalanine, analytical standard, for Nitrogen Determination According to Kjeldahl Method
L-Phenylalanine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
200-568-1
L-Phenylalanine, from non-animal source, meets EP, JP, USP testing specifications, suitable for cell culture, 98.5-101.0%