Curiosity about sulfur-containing amino compounds kicked off years ago with researchers trying to untangle the hidden patterns in metabolic cycles. Discovery of 3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid wasn’t really a single eureka moment but a layered progression, with early work focused on how sulfur bridges influence biological processes. The molecule started showing up in studies tracking alternatives to taurine and examining intermediates in organosulfur metabolism. As chemical synthesis advanced through the mid-20th century, labs in Europe and the US reported isolating and characterizing this solid, putting it under the microscope for nutritional research and new biotech routes.
You’re looking at a white, crystalline, water-soluble compound with appeal in both lab and industrial settings. The formula, C3H9NO3S, marks it for anyone interested in sulfur chemistry or the search for bioactive intermediates. Many facilities stock it under names like 3-aminopropanesulfonic acid or homotaurine. Its ready solubility means scientists have no trouble mixing it into buffers or test solutions. That practical element gained attention from food chemists, pharmaceutical developers, and even folks tackling water purification challenges.
This acid stands out with its sharp melting point, often landing just above 215°C, and its strong crystalline structure resists moisture unless stored in truly humid corners. It settles into a zwitterionic form at physiological pH, giving it unusual stability in biological tests. Because the sulfonic acid group is strongly acidic, you get an isoelectric point below 2, far from standard amino acids. Not much odor or volatility here, which makes sample handling easier in bench-top experiments or scale-up. Chemical compatibility remains broad – it stays undisturbed by oxidizers and mild acids but starts breaking down under intense heat or strong alkali.
Bulk shipments lay out purity typically above 98%, checked using HPLC and spectral analysis. Labels show batch number, production dates, and warnings about dust inhalation and skin contact. Most suppliers include solubility details, recommended storage temperature (below 25°C), and product refractive index around 1.51. Specifications often flag heavy metal limits under 10 ppm, supporting pharmaceutical or food-grade expectations. Small-pack vials for research purposes include clear hazard pictograms and the safest handling practices.
Most production methods start with 3-chloropropane sulfonic acid, swapping chlorine for an amino group using ammonia or an ammonium salt. The reaction takes place under mild pressure, usually in a water-rich environment to control pH. After synthesis, crystallization and a wash phase remove any leftover reagents. Modern routes favor catalytic approaches to limit waste. Some labs also rely on alternative starting points like acrylonitrile, reacting that with sodium bisulfite before hydrolysis and amination. Plenty of chemical engineering students have practiced these reactions on small scales before heading into bigger bioprocess labs.
This molecule stands ready for plenty of modification. The primary amine makes it open to acylation, amidation, or even forming Schiff bases. That sulfonic group brings in hydrophilicity, shaping how it interacts with peptides or proteins in biological tests. In medicinal chemistry, folks swap out hydrogen at the amino group to create prodrugs or more potent receptor agonists. Some studies placed it under oxidizing conditions and checked for derivatives useful in neuroscience research. Changing the carbon skeleton unlocks analogues that mimic inhibitory neurotransmitters, creating a path for novel therapeutics.
Research teams rotate through names – homotaurine, aminoethyl sulfonic acid, and 3-aminopropanesulfonic acid all point back to the same compound. Catalogues list it with the CAS Number 56-67-1, and some products use trade names that echo its physiological roles. The variety comes from discipline preferences: chemists stress structure, pharmaceutical scientists reference bioactive nicknames, and biochemists may adopt synonyms familiar from metabolic pathway charts.
Anyone working with it learns quickly to watch for contact sensitization and dust inhalation. Globally Harmonized System (GHS) labeling marks it as a low-hazard compound, but routine PPE – gloves, lab coats, splash goggles – stays smart. Ventilation in handling areas helps, especially during powder transfers. Spills call for dilution and absorption using inert materials. Waste gets categorized as non-hazardous, yet many labs still treat run-off with extra caution since contamination of water supplies triggers regulatory audits. Emergency data sheets list first-aid guidance for eye or respiratory exposure, though acute symptoms tend to be mild.
Demand comes from several sectors at once. In the lab, people use it to study GABA analogues and trace inhibitory signaling pathways in neuroscience. Food scientists explore its potential as a functional additive or a nutrient modulator in supplements for cognitive wellness. Water treatment projects have explored it as a chelating or buffering agent, with its stability holding up in variable pH and temperature states. Some pharmaceutical developers pitch it for mild antiepileptic or neuroprotective effects, leveraging its structure to interact with brain receptors. Veterinary researchers picked up on its low toxicity, exploring dosage curves for animal nutrition or metabolic support.
Research labs always seem to circle back to sulfur chemistry in search of new leads for metabolic and neurological research. Clinical studies take a look at its benefits and side effects, especially for conditions tied to neurotransmitter imbalances. Industrial teams experiment with using it as a synthetic intermediate for bulk bioactive compounds, hoping to cut production costs and boost yield. Several universities have run studies comparing its absorption and metabolism against taurine, hinting at possible uses in special dietary plans. Chemists keen on green chemistry techniques work at scaling up production while cutting down by-products and energy usage.
Long-term animal studies keep toxicity questions front and center, especially for new supplement candidates. So far, acute toxicity remains low, with oral LD50 values orders of magnitude above common amino acids. Test rats fed pure 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid rarely show organ damage, though at very high dosing, mild gastrointestinal symptoms can appear. Chronic administration trials look for nervous system or kidney changes but most results come back clear. This profile supports interest in both human and animal nutritional research, while environmental risk remains low compared to other synthetic organosulfur molecules. Scrutiny through models predicting off-target binding or metabolic accumulation continues, especially as functional applications increase.
Chances for this compound broaden as science uncovers the deeper roles of sulfonic acids in biology and medicine. Cognitive health and neuromodulation attract growing investment, and the search for alternatives to taurine in energy supplements, sports drinks, and animal nutrition supports ongoing demand. Increasing restrictions on environmental toxins mean greener synthetic routes and less hazardous waste from manufacture make economic sense. If regulatory bodies expand safe-use approvals, functions in food tech and water treatment could see a boost. The rise in systems biology and -omics research, mapping all the small molecules that influence cell metabolism, will likely push more labs to run studies with 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid front and center. In the end, real transformation rides on strong interdisciplinary work, transparent research sharing, and responsive production methods that anticipate next-gen safety and sustainability standards.
3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid, often called homotaurine, interests chemists and researchers for more than just its tongue-twister name. In my work as a science communicator, I’ve run into this compound on more than one lab bench, tucked away beside other bioactive molecules. Homotaurine began to attract attention because it’s similar to taurine, an amino acid in energy drinks and heart medications, but with enough of a difference to spark curiosity about what else it could do.
Homotaurine plays a starring role in neuroscience research. This simple-looking molecule acts as an analogue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main chemical messenger that calms nerves and settles the brain’s electrical storms. Scientists have looked at homotaurine hoping it could help with Alzheimer’s disease. There’s a good reason behind this. Homotaurine can slip across the blood-brain barrier, reaching neurons that most drugs only dream about. In early trials, researchers tried using it to block the formation of amyloid plaques, those sticky clumps tied to memory loss. The results were not quite the home run some people hoped for, but they showed enough promise to keep the doors open for further study.
I remember reading papers from clinical trials showing small benefits in slowing memory decline during the early stages of Alzheimer’s. That evidence kept researchers interested, although regulatory agencies didn’t approve it for treatment. The experience highlighted how science builds on hopeful leads, sometimes stepping back before it can step forward. Homotaurine’s story in Alzheimer’s isn’t over yet, but it reminds us that progress in neurodegenerative disease runs on chance, setbacks, and staying power from scientists and families alike.
Besides the quest to outsmart Alzheimer’s, homotaurine has another card to play. Some researchers believe it can influence conditions involving overactive brain circuits, such as epilepsy. GABA analogues often help prevent seizures, and homotaurine’s chemical shape gives it similar powers in laboratory experiments. This is why homotaurine appears in studies on epilepsy and even some anxiety disorders. Scientists have tried blending it with other drugs to reduce side effects, or tested how it works in combination therapies, especially when patients struggle with standard medications.
In my years chatting with biochemists, I’ve noticed how even simple molecules like homotaurine lead to unexpected discoveries. Some researchers have looked beyond the brain, investigating whether homotaurine affects metabolism, insulin sensitivity, or cardiovascular health. The evidence hasn’t reached the headlines yet, but it keeps the compound on the research radar. This curiosity exists for a reason: nature often hides new solutions in old molecules, waiting for better tools or creative thinkers to piece them together.
Whenever new molecules like 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid get headlines, there’s buzz, and sometimes hype. Researchers, regulatory authorities, patients, and their families share the responsibility to stay grounded. Reliable evidence matters more than early excitement, especially for vulnerable people seeking hope against tough diseases. Long-term studies, open access to data, and collaboration between global teams drive progress and help avoid the pitfalls seen with “miracle” cures that never pan out. My experience has convinced me that real breakthroughs happen when scientists ask the tough questions, admit setbacks, and push forward only with solid proof.
3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid often sits under the radar unless you spend some time with biochemistry or pharmaceutical processes. Its structure carries a formula of C3H9NO3S, which breaks down into a three-carbon backbone, with an amino group attached to one end and a sulfonic acid group on the other. If you’re picturing it, the backbone chain looks like this: NH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–SO3H. It carries two major functional groups—an amine on carbon one and a sulfonic acid on carbon three, giving it unique properties both chemically and biologically.
Both the amine (–NH2) and the sulfonic acid (–SO3H) pull this molecule into more than one arena. The amine group acts as a base, able to accept protons, which plays an essential role in reactions and biological interactions. The sulfonic acid group, one of the strongest acids commonly found in organic chemistry, gives this molecule serious water solubility. In my own experience in the lab, handling molecules with such distinct chemical ends brings challenges but also solutions—especially in designing custom buffers or modifying signaling in biological systems.
3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid sometimes goes by the name “homotaurine.” It looks similar to taurine, another sulfonic acid-based amino acid found in the body. This similarity gives it a front-row seat in neuroscience research. The presence of both a basic and an acidic group allows this compound to participate in zwitterionic forms at physiological pH, promoting stability in biological fluids. Researchers have explored this compound for potential roles in neuroprotection and amyloid plaque reduction, two hot points in Alzheimer’s disease science. While the jury’s still out on broad effectiveness, understanding its structure helps researchers target treatment strategies more effectively.
Other than its role in the body, this acid serves uses outside of research. Thanks to its high solubility and chemical resilience, manufacturers often look toward it during the formulation of certain pharmaceuticals, supplements, and even as a buffer ingredient in specialized electrolytes. From an industry perspective, knowing the exact positions of the amino and sulfonic groups means processes can get tailored for optimal solubility, reactivity, and even taste-masking for oral medicines. It deals well with both water-based and saline solutions, helping in product consistency.
Anytime a molecule shows up in the human body, whether naturally or by design, chemistry knowledge isn’t just an academic pursuit. The specifics of this acid’s structure impact everything from its stability on the shelf to how it manages to cross into the brain or get metabolized. Open data, rigorous testing, and transparency on purity and sourcing let consumers and professionals trust the products made with it. Documented supply chains and full disclosure of synthetic routes help minimize contamination risks—something not just critical for safety but for research ethics.
Understanding a molecule’s makeup opens doors to better products, safer treatments, and smarter research designs. The chemistry behind 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid ties directly to its impact in supplements, pharmaceuticals, and potentially in therapies for conditions that challenge millions. Improvements in analysis—like streamlined nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry—keep researchers confident about quality and authenticity. Honest communication and steady research remain the backbone of trust and progress with molecules like this.
3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid, which often goes by the name homotaurine, gets attention in labs and supplement circles alike. More people want to know exactly what they’re working with each time they scan a chemical label or weigh out a powder for research. Experience teaches you that the “safety” of a chemical doesn’t come down to just reading a single word on an SDS sheet.
Chemicals with long names can sound intimidating. Scientists and students alike recognize the practical steps needed in handling amino acid derivatives: gloves, fresh air, and cleanliness matter a lot here. Solutions of substances like 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid shouldn’t splash on your skin, and laboratory-grade powder should never end up in your coffee mug, no matter what people say about “natural” compounds.
Research and official documents reveal that this compound hasn’t shown up on lists of intensely hazardous chemicals. Homotaurine doesn’t produce toxic fumes. It dissolves well in water and handles a bit like table salt – but that doesn’t mean you treat it carelessly. Just because someone calls something a “biological metabolite” doesn’t mean it gets a free pass when it reaches your skin, mouth, or the environment. My own experience in teaching student labs has shown that most people let their guard down with white powders that don’t smell or fizz. They forget about accidental dust inhalation or eye exposure, which over time forms bad habits.
No scientist has ever regretted following solid chemical hygiene. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) describes 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid as “not acutely toxic,” with research showing low irritation risk. You might run into mild eye or skin irritation if you spill some on yourself. Compared to corrosives or volatile solvents, it seems fairly tame. Its real risk comes from letting your habits slip and treating every new powder like baby powder.
I recall one summer when a student ignored the rule to wash up after using simple amino acids. Later that day, he brushed his eyes with unwashed hands; mild redness delayed his field trip, and a valuable lesson was learned. Lab safety is almost always about everyday discipline instead of rare disasters. High-purity substances sometimes move easily through the air as dust – so a simple mask or fume hood makes a difference. Labeling containers boldly, storing them away from snacks, and keeping personal items off benches go a long way.
People want shortcuts, but experience tells another story. Safe handling doesn’t mean worrying all day or dressing like an astronaut; it means not getting complacent. Keeping clean gloves, a functioning eyewash station, and a culture of safety helps everyone – students, researchers, and workers alike. Good records, routine safety briefings, and common sense keep even fairly safe chemicals from turning into real hazards.
Homotaurine’s chemical siblings sometimes wind up in dietary supplements, promising brain support or neurological effects. Regulations for these products often don’t match the strict standards found in the lab. Anyone thinking of handling or using raw homotaurine outside a regulated setting should know exactly where it came from and what testing it’s passed.
Treat every bottle or bag of 3-aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid with careful respect, not paranoia. Assume untested effects, minimize contact, and store everything away from where food or drinks are handled. Dispose of spills carefully. These habits form a strong line of defense against mishaps. Experience proves that the simplest routines keep people safe, not high-tech gear or false promises. In the end, safety depends more on honest habits than on any single ingredient’s reputation.
Anyone who has ever handled specialty chemicals knows how quickly a lab can grind to a halt when a key ingredient gets compromised. I learned the hard way one damp spring in graduate school, when a batch of 3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid started caking inside its bottle. We had left it in the open, right next to a window on a rainy week. Those clumps told a clear story: good storage is not a box-checking exercise; it's what keeps your experiments going and your safety intact.
3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid draws water from air, so humid spaces spell trouble fast. If this compound absorbs moisture, not only does it change weight, but it can start reacting with things it shouldn’t. In regular practice, most researchers keep it in tightly sealed, labeled containers. I use glass jars with rubber stoppers or screw-tops with liners. After opening, I work fast and reseal each time—the less time exposed, the better the odds of keeping it pure.
Temperature plays its own role in this story. Heat can push this acid to degrade or interact with other molecules close by. Most chemical suppliers suggest storage at room temperature, somewhere around 20–25°C (68–77°F). Direct sunlight puts extra strain on stability, so I keep it in a dark cupboard, away from heat sources like radiators or hot water pipes. Even simple controls like these cut down on unexpected surprises in reaction yields or purity readings.
Working in shared spaces taught me that contamination is sneaky. A little dust, a few fingerprints, or a scoop used in the wrong order—they all tamper with results and put people at risk. Dedicated spatulas, clean gloves, and fresh scoops for each use became second nature. Labels get updated after every open, especially with the date, so no one wonders how long it's been sitting around. Clear labeling becomes even more important in labs where turnover is high or people rotate through research groups.
It’s not just about contamination from the environment. Mixing up bottles or using containers that once held other strong acids or bases can spark dangerous reactions. Many labs I’ve worked in stick with high-density polyethylene or glass for storage. Metal handles or scoops seem harmless until corrosion takes hold—or trace metal ions mess up sensitive experiments.
Industry guidelines and university protocols shape much of the storage game. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlights the importance of material safety data sheets (SDS) with each chemical. The SDS for 3-Aminopropane-1-sulphonic acid recommends storing it apart from strong oxidizers, acids, or bases. This separation does more than prevent chemical mishaps; it also makes inventory checks and compliance audits a lot smoother.
I’ve never regretted putting the time into a good inventory log. Tracking expiry dates, recording every opening, and keeping a list of storage conditions might feel tedious, but it beats the chaos of an unexpected incident. Labs that make chemical safety a habit see fewer setbacks, avoid costly waste, and keep everyone around more secure.
Regular checks on room humidity, temperature, and container integrity catch issues early. Dehumidifiers or silica gel packets tucked inside storage cabinets pull their weight during muggy spells. Anyone handling this acid for the first time should walk through the lab’s storage protocol before touching the bottle. Education shifts storage mistakes from rare slipups to vanishingly rare ones.
Good storage isn’t just about rules; it’s how teams look after each other and their science. Each close call I’ve seen in the lab has led to sharper habits and more respect for even the simplest storage rules. A clean, dry, well-marked shelf is the starting point for results you can trust.
Shopping for 3-Aminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid isn’t the kind of thing most people do on a daily basis. It’s an important chemical, often used in scientific research, pharmaceuticals, and sometimes in industrial processing. A single misplaced step can impact research or quality assurance, so finding the right source is no small matter. I’ve spent hours going through supplier catalogs for the chemicals my lab needed — one thing most scientists have in common is a healthy skepticism about random suppliers found through search engines.
Most buyers rely on established chemical suppliers with a good history. Reputable companies like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals, and Alfa Aesar typically stock 3-Aminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid. They provide purity details, safety data sheets, and certifications with every purchase. My colleagues swear by these sources since quality inconsistencies can sabotage entire experiments. Buying from recognized suppliers protects against contamination concerns, product shortages, or dubious substitutions.
Chemicals rarely move without paperwork. Expect to fill out documentation verifying intended use and shipping information—especially for compounds used in research. Regulatory oversight helps keep harmful substances out of the wrong hands and ensures safe handling across the supply chain. Labs and purchasing departments bear the job of keeping licenses current and records complete for every order.
Sourcing this compound requires more attention than picking up office supplies. A few years back, a university team learned that buying from an overseas distributor could bring headaches: unexpected fees, customs complications, and even longer shipping times stalled their project. Respected domestic suppliers came through more reliably and with fewer surprise costs. Inexpensive sources may seem attractive upfront but often come with hidden headaches or inferior products.
Universities and companies often work through specialized procurement portals or negotiated vendor contracts to streamline purchases. Researchers usually don’t decide on their own; finance and safety officers step in, making sure regulatory dots get connected. On the other side, small R&D shops sometimes deal directly with suppliers or use laboratory supply brokers, comparing not just price, but also shipping options, storage requirements, and technical support.
Temptation to use unverified online marketplaces appears all over the internet. Stories circulate about deals gone bad—impure chemicals, wrong substances, or outright scams. Illegal distribution networks can put people at legal risk and endanger research quality. Genuine suppliers don’t hide behind vague contact information or skip certification. Researchers looking for 3-Aminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid should avoid anything that hints at a gray market.
Easy access to certificates of analysis and safety documents builds trust. I’ve learned to look for transparent return policies and customer service access. Peer recommendations also help, especially when swapping advice at conferences or online forums. Asking for references or checking supplier reviews turns up red flags before money exchanges hands.
Streamlining regulatory processes and making quality data more publicly available would help customers feel more secure. A shared industry registry of verified suppliers could save hours of research, reduce fraud, and boost safety. Suppliers working to provide easy access to purity records and clear contact channels set themselves apart in a crowded market.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3-Aminopropane-1-sulfonic acid |
| Other names |
homotaurine 3-aminopropanesulfonic acid tramiprosate Aminopropanesulfonic acid |
| Pronunciation | /ˈæmɪnoʊ.prəˈpeɪn wʌn sʌlˈfɒnɪk ˈæsɪd/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 3686-54-4 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `3D model (JSmol)` string for **3-Aminopropane-1-Sulphonic Acid** (also known as **Homotaurine**): ``` CC(CS(=O)(=O)O)N ``` *(This is the standard SMILES string representation, which can be used directly in JSmol or similar 3D molecular viewers.)* |
| Beilstein Reference | 1260761 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:18097 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1237 |
| ChemSpider | 164139 |
| DrugBank | DB01942 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.006.464 |
| EC Number | 208-804-5 |
| Gmelin Reference | 1000631 |
| KEGG | C06373 |
| MeSH | D002550 |
| PubChem CID | 12055 |
| RTECS number | TN9625000 |
| UNII | 1X6C12E0GO |
| UN number | UN3336 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID4039284 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C3H9NO3S |
| Molar mass | 137.18 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.34 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | soluble |
| log P | -3.04 |
| Vapor pressure | 1.56E-7 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 6.76 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.80 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.6 × 10⁻⁷ |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.497 |
| Dipole moment | 4.63 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 190.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -589.6 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -943.6 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N07AX05 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Not a hazardous substance or mixture. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P305+P351+P338 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-0 |
| Flash point | 85 °C |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >5000 mg/kg (oral, rat) |
| NIOSH | NL2975000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | No established PEL. |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Taurine Isethionic acid Cysteamine Homotaurine 2-Aminoethanesulfonic acid Sulfanilic acid |
