1-Methyl-3-oxocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid is a cyclobutane derivative that inhibits the biosynthesis of melanin. It has been shown to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase and to decrease the production of melanin in melanoma cells. 1-Methyl-3-oxocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid is also a potent fungicide, inhibiting the growth of fungi by binding to enzymes in their biosynthetic pathway. This compound has been used as a lead compound for the development of other inhibitors of tyrosinase. 1-Methyl-3-oxocyclobutane-1-carboxylic acid inhibits asparagine, which blocks its interaction with carboxamide, preventing amine formation and subsequent inhibition of protein synthesis.
