Phenylalanine

C₉H₁₁NO₂

IUPAC: (2S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid

CAS: 63-91-2

Overview

Phenylalanine is an essential aromatic amino acid and a precursor to tyrosine, dopamine, and adrenaline. People with phenylketonuria (PKU) cannot metabolize it.

Composition

Element	Symbol	Atoms	Atomic Mass
Hydrogen	H	11	1.0080
Carbon	C	9	12.0110
Nitrogen	N	1	14.0070
Oxygen	O	2	15.9990

Elemental Composition

Hydrogen ×11

6.7%

Carbon ×9

65.4%

Nitrogen ×1

8.5%

Oxygen ×2

19.4%

Uses

• Aspartame production
• Dietary supplement
• Pharmaceutical

Fun Facts

✦ The 'contains phenylalanine' warning on diet soda is for PKU patients

Safety

⚠ Dangerous for PKU patients

Structure

SMILES

C1=CC=C(C=C1)CC(C(=O)O)N

Properties

Type: organic
State: solid
Molar Mass: 165.19 g/mol
Density: 1.2900 g/cm³
Melting Point: 283.0 °C
Solubility: 27 g/L at 25°C

Molecular Descriptors

Exact Mass: 165.0790
XLogP: -1.5
TPSA: 63.3 Å²
H-Bond Donors: 2
H-Bond Acceptors: 3
Rotatable Bonds: 3
Heavy Atoms: 12
Complexity: 153.0

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 Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine (C₉H₁₁NO₂) is a organic compound with the IUPAC name (2S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid.

What is the molecular weight of Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine has a molar mass of 165.19 g/mol.

What state is Phenylalanine at room temperature?

Phenylalanine is a solid at room temperature.

Is Phenylalanine organic or inorganic?

Phenylalanine is classified as an organic compound.

What elements make up Phenylalanine?

Phenylalanine (C₉H₁₁NO₂) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O).