The IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name for glycine is 2-aminoacetic acid.
Glycine, also widely recognized by its common name, is the simplest naturally occurring amino acid. Its systematic IUPAC name precisely describes its chemical structure, indicating an amino group (–NH₂) attached to the second carbon atom of an acetic acid molecule (CH₃COOH). Acetic acid serves as the backbone, and by replacing one of the hydrogen atoms on the alpha-carbon (the carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group) with an amino group, 2-aminoacetic acid is formed.
Key Characteristics of Glycine
Glycine plays a crucial role in various biological processes, serving as a building block for proteins and acting as a neurotransmitter. Its unique properties are summarized below:
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | 2-aminoacetic acid |
| Alternative Names | glycine, aminoacetic acid |
| Molecular Formula | C₂H₅NO₂ |
| Molar Mass | 75.067 g/mol |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2H5NO2/c3-1-2(4)5/h1,3H2,(H,4,5) |
Understanding the Name: 2-aminoacetic acid
The IUPAC nomenclature provides a clear and unambiguous way to identify chemical compounds globally. For 2-aminoacetic acid:
- Acetic acid: This is the parent compound, a carboxylic acid with two carbon atoms (CH₃COOH).
- 2-amino-: This prefix indicates that an amino group (-NH₂) is attached to the second carbon atom of the acetic acid chain. In the context of carboxylic acids, the carbon atom of the carboxyl group (COOH) is considered C-1, and the adjacent carbon is C-2 (often called the alpha-carbon).
This systematic naming helps in identifying the compound's structure and functional groups, which is essential in chemistry and biochemistry.
Biological Significance
As the smallest amino acid, glycine has no side chain other than a hydrogen atom, making it achiral (lacking a chiral center). This structural simplicity allows it to fit into many tight spaces in protein structures, contributing to protein flexibility and the formation of collagen, the most abundant protein in mammals.
- Protein Synthesis: Essential for building proteins and peptides.
- Neurotransmission: Acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, particularly in the spinal cord, brainstem, and retina.
- Metabolic Pathways: Involved in the synthesis of heme, purines, and creatine.
- Detoxification: Participates in detoxification processes in the liver.
Understanding its IUPAC name provides a foundation for comprehending its chemical behavior and its widespread biological functions.
