What Is Sarcosine?
Sarcosine is a naturally occurring amino acid.
Its IUPAC name is 2-(Methylamino) acetic acid, and it is also known as N-Methylglycine, Methylglycine, Sarcosinic acid), also called sarcosinic acid. Abbreviated as Sar.
Uses of Sarcosine
1. Raw Material for Surfactants
Sarcosine has been widely used as a raw material for toothpaste and biodegradable surfactants. For example, the sodium salt of lauroyl sarcosine, which has lauric acid added to the nitrogen, is a surfactant with low skin irritation, excellent cleaning power even with hard water, and good foaming properties. Because of these excellent cleaning effects, it is often used in shampoos, body soaps, facial cleansers, toothpastes, and other products.
2. Medical Field
Recent studies have shown that sarcosine is likely to be a biomarker for prostate cancer and that it is effective in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression and schizophrenia. Polysarcosine, a polymer of sarcosine, is also being investigated for use in DDS (drug delivery system) formulations.
Properties of Sarcosine
The chemical formula is C3H7NO2 and the molecular weight is 89.09. The CAS number is 107-97-1. Sarcosine decomposes at 208°C and is a white crystalline powder solid at room temperature. It is odorless, sweet-tasting, and deliquescent. It is soluble in water and less soluble in ethanol. The pH, which indicates the degree of acidity or alkalinity, is 7.4 (at 5.6 μg/mL dissolved). Under neutral conditions, carbo anions and ammonium ions are formed and exist as zwitterions.
Sarcosine is a natural amino acid found in muscle and other body tissues. In foods, it is found in egg yolks, legumes, ham, etc. Also called N-methylglycine (NMG), it is formed when choline is metabolized and then broken down into glycine by the enzyme sarcosine dehydrogenase.
Other Information on Sarcosine
1. How Sarcosine Is Produced
Sarcosine can be produced industrially by Strecker amino acid synthesis. Strecker amino acid synthesis is a method to synthesize amino acids from aldehyde, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide. Aldehydes and ammonia first react to form imine, and then aminonitrile is formed by nucleophilic attack of cyanide ions on the imine. Subsequent hydrolysis allows the desired amino acid to be synthesized. The final step of hydrolysis usually proceeds by post-treatment with hydrochloric acid. It can also be synthesized by nucleophilic substitution reaction of chloroaminoacetic acid and methylamine.
2. Handling and Storage Precautions
Handling Precautions
Strong oxidizing agents are incompatible with sarcosine. Avoid contact when handling and storing. When handling, be sure to wear protective clothing with long sleeves, protective gloves, and protective glasses, and use in a draft chamber.
In the case of Fire
When burning, the product may decompose to produce toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx). In case of fire, use carbon dioxide (CO2), powder, water spray, foam, or fire sand to extinguish the fire. There are no specific fire extinguishing agents prohibited for use.
Storage
Store in a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight in a sealed glass container.