2-Aminoisobutyric Acid

Chemical properties

White crystalline powder

The Uses of 2-Aminoisobutyric Acid

2-Aminoisobutyric Acid inotransferases which can be used as a diagnostic tool to predict type II diabetes.

The Uses of 2-Aminoisobutyric Acid

2-Aminoisobutyric acid is a non- protein amino acid present in some antibiotics. It acts as a strong helix inducer in peptides. It is non-metabolisable used in bioassays.

Definition

ChEBI: A rare, non-protein amino acid and end-product of pyrimidine metabolism, excreted in urine and found in some antibiotics of fungal origin. With the exception of a few bacteria, it is non-metabolisable, and therefore used in bioassays.

Preparation

α-Aminoisobutyric Acid is prepared from Acetone (Blatt: Org. Synth. CoIl. vol. H, page 29, 1943) or by the Bucherer method (Org. Synth. vol. XX, 1940, page 42).

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 29, p. 1148, 1964 DOI: 10.1021/jo01028a036

Biological Activity

2-Aminoisobutyric acid is not one of the proteinogenic amino acids and is rather rare in nature. It is a strong helix inducer in peptides due to Thorpe–Ingold effect of its gem-dimethyl group. Oligomers of AIB form 310 helices.

Solubility in organics

poorly soluble in alcohol, insoluble in oils.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the acid from aqueous EtOH and dry it at 110o. [Zelinski & Stadnikoff Chem Ber 39 1726 1906, Beilstein