Leucine (abbreviated as Leu or L; encoded by the six codons UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG) is an ɑ-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated -+NH3 form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated –COO- form under biological conditions), and an isobutyl side chain, classifying it as a nonpolar (at physiological pH) amino acid. It is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it and thus it must be obtained from the diet.
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IUPAC name
Leucine
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Other names
2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid
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CAS Number
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61-90-5 |
ChEBI | CHEBI:57427 |
ChEMBL | ChEMBL291962 |
ChemSpider | 5880 |
DrugBank | DB01746 |
IUPHAR/BPS
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3312 |
Jmol interactive 3D | Image |
KEGG | D00030 |
PubChem | 6106 |
UNII | GMW67QNF9C |
InChI[show]
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SMILES[show]
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Chemical formula
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C6H13NO2 |
Molar mass | 131.18 g·mol−1 |
Acidity (pKa) | 2.36 (carboxyl), 9.60 (amino)[1] |
Structure and
properties |
Refractive index (n), Dielectric constant (εr), etc. |
Thermodynamic
data |
Phase behaviour solid–liquid–gas |
Spectral data
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UV, IR, NMR, MS |