Sarcosine
Product Name: Sarcosine
Synonyms: (methylamino)-aceticaci;(Methylamino)ethanoic acid;(methylamino)ethanoicacid;Acetic acid, (methylamino)-;CH3NHCH2COOH;Glycine, N-methyl-;Glycine,N-methyl-;Methylglycine
CAS: 107-97-1
MF: C3H7NO2
MW: 89.09
EINECS: 203-538-6
Chemical Properties White crystalline powder
Usage Has been found in starfish and sea urchins. It is used as intermediate in the synthesis of antienzyme agents for toothpaste. Found to be a marker for prostate cancer bioagression.
General Description Deliquescent crystals or powder. Has a sweetish taste.
Air & Water Reactions Deliquescent. Water soluble.
Reactivity Profile Sarcosine is an amide. Amides/imides react with azo and diazo compounds to generate toxic gases. Flammable gases are formed by the reaction of organic amides/imides with strong reducing agents. Amides are very weak bases (weaker than water). Imides are less basic yet and in fact react with strong bases to form salts. That is, they can react as acids. Mixing amides with dehydrating agents such as P2O5 or SOCl2 generates the corresponding nitrile. The combustion of these compounds generates mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Sarcosine is incompatible with acids. .
Fire Hazard Flash point data for Sarcosine are not available. Sarcosine is probably combustible.
Biological Activity Endogenous inhibitor of GlyT1 that displays antipsychotic activity. Potentiates the action of glycine on the NMDA glycine binding site.