G

gamma-Aminobutyric acid

IUPAC: 4-aminobutanoic acid

C4H9NO2 Acids CAS 56-12-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC4H9NO2
CAS Number56-12-2
Molecular Weight103.12
Melting Point203 °C
Solubility1300.0 mg/mL
AppearanceSolid
Also Known As4-aminobutanoic acid; GABA; 56-12-2; Piperidic acid; Piperidinic acid; Aminalon; Gaballon; Gamarex; Gammalon; Gammasol
CategoryAcids

What is gamma-Aminobutyric acid?

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a gamma-amino acid that is butanoic acid with the amino substituent located at C-4. It has a role as a neurotransmitter, a signalling molecule, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a monocarboxylic acid and a gamma-amino acid. It is functionally related to a butyric acid. It is a conjugate acid of a gamma-aminobutyrate. It is a tautomer of a gamma-aminobutyric acid zwitterion.

Formula & Notation

C4H9NO2

IUPAC Name: 4-aminobutanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 4-aminobutanoic acid; GABA; 56-12-2; Piperidic acid; Piperidinic acid; Aminalon; Gaballon; Gamarex; Gammalon; Gammasol

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Solid. Molecular formula: C4H9NO2. Molecular weight: 103.12 g/mol. Melting point: 203 °C. Solubility: 1300.0 mg/mL. LogP: -3.2.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point203 °C
Molecular Weight103.12
Solubility1300.0 mg/mL
AppearanceSolid

Uses & Applications

Used in industrial chemical synthesis, fertilizer production, battery electrolytes, metal processing, and laboratory acid-base reactions.

Safety Information

Corrosive. Causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves, goggles, and lab coat. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term gamma-Aminobutyric acid
Formula C4H9NO2
CAS Number 56-12-2
Molecular Weight 103.12
Category Acids
Synonyms 4-aminobutanoic acid; GABA; 56-12-2; Piperidic acid; Piperidinic acid; Aminalon; Gaballon; Gamarex; Gammalon; Gammasol

Frequently Asked Questions

Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a gamma-amino acid that is butanoic acid with the amino substituent located at C-4. It has a role as a neurotransmitter, a signalling molecule, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a monocarboxylic acid and a gamma-amino acid. It is functionally related to a butyric acid. It is a conjugate acid of a gamma-aminobutyrate. It is a tautomer of a gamma-aminobutyric acid zwitterion.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.