G

Glycine

IUPAC: 2-aminoacetic acid

C2H5NO2 Organic Compounds CAS 56-40-6
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC2H5NO2
CAS Number56-40-6
Molecular Weight75.07
Melting Point451 °F (NTP, 1992)
Density1.1607 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceGlycine appears as white crystals. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As2-aminoacetic acid; 56-40-6; 2-Aminoacetic acid; aminoacetic acid; Aminoethanoic acid; Glycocoll; Glycolixir; Glicoamin; Glycosthene; Aciport
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is Glycine?

Glycine is the simplest (and the only achiral) proteinogenic amino acid, with a hydrogen atom as its side chain. It has a role as a neurotransmitter, a micronutrient, a nutraceutical, a hepatoprotective agent, an EC 2.1.2.1 (glycine hydroxymethyltransferase) inhibitor, a NMDA receptor agonist and a fundamental metabolite. It is a serine family amino acid, an alpha-amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a glycinium. It is a conjugate acid of a glycinate. It is a tautomer of a glycine zwitterion.

Formula & Notation

C2H5NO2

IUPAC Name: 2-aminoacetic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: 2-aminoacetic acid; 56-40-6; 2-Aminoacetic acid; aminoacetic acid; Aminoethanoic acid; Glycocoll; Glycolixir; Glicoamin; Glycosthene; Aciport

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Glycine appears as white crystals. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C2H5NO2. Molecular weight: 75.07 g/mol. Melting point: 451 °F (NTP, 1992). Density: 1.1607 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000013 [mmHg]. LogP: -3.2.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point451 °F (NTP, 1992)
Density1.1607 (NTP, 1992) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight75.07
Solubilitygreater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceGlycine appears as white crystals. (NTP, 1992)

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

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

Key Facts

Term Glycine
Formula C2H5NO2
CAS Number 56-40-6
Molecular Weight 75.07
Synonyms 2-aminoacetic acid; 56-40-6; 2-Aminoacetic acid; aminoacetic acid; Aminoethanoic acid; Glycocoll; Glycolixir; Glicoamin; Glycosthene; Aciport

Frequently Asked Questions

Glycine is the simplest (and the only achiral) proteinogenic amino acid, with a hydrogen atom as its side chain. It has a role as a neurotransmitter, a micronutrient, a nutraceutical, a hepatoprotective agent, an EC 2.1.2.1 (glycine hydroxymethyltransferase) inhibitor, a NMDA receptor agonist and a fundamental metabolite. It is a serine family amino acid, an alpha-amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a glycinium. It is a conjugate acid of a glycinate. It is a tautomer of a glycine 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.