Glycine

C₂H₅NO₂

IUPAC: 2-Aminoacetic acid

CAS: 56-40-6

Overview

Glycine is the simplest amino acid and the only one that is achiral (not optically active). It is a major component of collagen, making up about one-third of its amino acid residues. It also functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 5 1.0080
Carbon C 2 12.0110
Nitrogen N 1 14.0070
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×5
6.7%
C
Carbon ×2
32.0%
N
Nitrogen ×1
18.7%
O
Oxygen ×2
42.6%

Uses

  • • Protein building block
  • • Inhibitory neurotransmitter
  • • Dietary supplement
  • • Buffer solution component

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The only amino acid without a chiral center
  • ✦ Found in meteorites, suggesting amino acids can form in space

Safety

  • ⚠ Generally recognized as safe

Structure

SMILES

C(C(=O)O)N

Properties

Type
organic
State
solid
Molar Mass
75.03 g/mol
Density
1.6070 g/cm³
Melting Point
233.0 °C
Solubility
249 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass
75.0320
XLogP
-3.2
TPSA
63.3 Ų
H-Bond Donors
2
H-Bond Acceptors
3
Rotatable Bonds
1
Heavy Atoms
5
Complexity
42.0

Also Known As

Gly G

Related Compounds

1,2-Dichloroethane

C₂H₄Cl₂

1,3-Butadiene

C₄H₆

1,4-Dioxane

C₄H₈O₂

1-Butanol

C₄H₁₀O

2-Propanol

C₃H₈O

Acetaldehyde

CH₃CHO

Acetamide

C₂H₅NO

Acetic Anhydride

C₄H₆O₃

Acetone

(CH₃)₂CO

Acetonitrile

C₂H₃N

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glycine?
Glycine (C₂H₅NO₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name 2-Aminoacetic acid.
What is the molecular weight of Glycine?
Glycine has a molar mass of 75.032 g/mol.
What state is Glycine at room temperature?
Glycine is a solid at room temperature.
Is Glycine organic or inorganic?
Glycine is classified as an organic compound.
What elements make up Glycine?
Glycine (C₂H₅NO₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).