Chemical Properties
White Crystalline Solid
Uses
L-(+)-2-Aminobutyric acid is used in the biosynthesis of nonribosomal peptides. It acts as a receptor antagonist. It is also used as a chiral reagent. Further, it is used in the determination of substrate of glutamyl cysteine acid synthase. In addition to this, it is also utilized as a drug intermediate.
Uses
aminobutyric acid is an amino acid with water-binding properties and possible anti-inflammatory capacities.
Definition
ChEBI: An optically active form of alpha-aminobutyric acid having L-configuration.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 68, p. 450, 1946
DOI: 10.1021/ja01207a032
General Description
L-2-Aminobutyric acid is synthesized from L-threonine and L-aspartic acid through a ?-transamination reaction. It is an L-alanine analogue with an ethyl side chain.
Biochem/physiol Actions
L-α-Aminobutyric acid (AABA) is an isomer of the non-natural amino acid aminobutyric acid with activity in the γ-glutamyl cycle that regulates glutathione biosynthesis. Recently AABA has been studied as a supplement to in vitro maturation medium (NCSU 23 medium) for culture of oozytes and embryos. This product has been qualified for use in cell culture. AABA is also used as a substitute amino acid for alanine in studies on peptide function.
Purification Methods
Crystallise butyrine from aqueous EtOH, and the melting point depends on heating rate but has m 303o in a sealed tube. [Greenstein & Winitz The Chemistry of the Amino Acids J. Wiley, Vol 3 p 2399 IR: 2401 1961, Beilstein 4 III 1294, 4 IV 2584.]