August 22, 2025 | UR Gate
Alanine (C3H7NO2) Structure, Properties and Nomenclature
Explore Alanine (C3H7NO2), an essential amino acid. Learn its structure, key properties, IUPAC name, synonyms, and significance in biochemistry.
What is Alanine (C3H7NO2)?
Alanine is one of the simplest and most abundant amino acids, playing a crucial role in protein synthesis and metabolism. It's a non-essential amino acid, meaning the human body can synthesize it on its own. You'll find alanine in various protein-rich foods like meat, fish, dairy products, and legumes. Beyond its role in building proteins, alanine is also involved in glucose metabolism, aiding in the transport of nitrogen from peripheral tissues to the liver. Its simple structure makes it a fundamental building block in the vast molecular machinery of life.
Properties of Alanine (C3H7NO2)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₇NO₂ |
| Molecular Weight | 89.09 g/mol |
| Density | 1.159 g/cm³ |
| Boiling Point | 288 °C (decomposes) |
| Melting Point | 295 °C (decomposes) |
| Hybridization | Carbon atoms: sp³, Nitrogen atom: sp³ |
| Appearance | White crystalline solid |
| Solubility in Water | Soluble |
Nomenclature of Alanine
- Common name: Alanine
- IUPAC name: 2-aminopropanoic acid
Synonyms
- Alanin
- L-Alanine (for the naturally occurring enantiomer)
- D-Alanine (for the non-natural enantiomer)
- α-aminopropionic acid
- 2-Aminopropionic acid
- Ala
- (S)-Alanine (for L-Alanine)
- (R)-Alanine (for D-Alanine)
