Glutamic Acid

C₅H₉NO₄

IUPAC: (S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid

CAS: 56-86-0

Overview

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid that is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its sodium salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG), is responsible for the umami taste, one of the five basic tastes. It plays key roles in nitrogen metabolism.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 9 1.0080
Carbon C 5 12.0110
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070
Oxygen O 4 15.9990

Elemental Composition

Uses

  • Excitatory neurotransmitter
  • MSG flavor enhancer
  • Nitrogen metabolism
  • Pharmaceutical intermediate

Fun Facts

  • MSG was discovered in 1908 by Kikunae Ikeda, who identified umami as the fifth basic taste from kombu seaweed

Safety

  • ⚠ MSG sensitivity in some individuals (debated)
  • ⚠ Generally recognized as safe

Structure

SMILES

C(CC(=O)O)C(C(=O)O)N

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
147.13 g/mol
Density
1.5380 g/cm³
Melting Point
199.0 °C
Solubility
8.64 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
147.0532
XLogP
-3.7
TPSA
101.0 Ų
H-Bond Donors
3
H-Bond Acceptors
5
Rotatable Bonds
4
Heavy Atoms
10
Complexity
145.0

Also Known As

L-Glutamate Glu E

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glutamic Acid?
Glutamic Acid (C₅H₉NO₄) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name (S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Glutamic Acid?
Glutamic Acid has a molar mass of 147.13 g/mol.
What state is Glutamic Acid at room temperature?
Glutamic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Glutamic Acid organic or inorganic?
Glutamic Acid is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Glutamic Acid?
Glutamic Acid (C₅H₉NO₄) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).