γ -aminobutyric acid is an amino acid widely existing in plants, microorganisms and vertebrates. It is an important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. γ-aminobutyric acid looks like a white crystalline powder with certain natural activity. Molecular formula C4H9NO2, molecular weight 103.12, CAS number 56-12-2.
γ -aminobutyric acid usually exists in solution in the form of negatively charged carboxyl group and positively charged aminoamphoteric ions. Due to mutual electrostatic interaction between amphoteric ions, γ -aminobutyric acid not only presents gaseous molecular conformation in solution. It can also present solid molecular conformation. Generally, multi-molecular conformation can coexist. Therefore, γ -aminobutyric acid can play an important physiological function.
As a non-protein amino acid with small molecular weight, γ -aminobutyric acid is safe to use and has good water solubility and thermal stability. Therefore, γ-Aminobutyric acid is commonly used in food, beverage, medicine and other fields.
