Aspartic Acid | Asp | CAS 56-84-8 | Amino Acid

Product Name: Aspartic Acid (Asp, D- or L-aspartate)
CAS No.: 56-84-8
Molecular Formula: C₄H₇NO₄
Structural Formula: HOOC–CH(NH₂)–CH₂–COOH
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Melting Point: 270 °C (decomposes)
Solubility: 5.5 g/100 mL in water at 20 °C; insoluble in non-polar solvents
Ionization: Diprotic acid with pKa₁ ≈1.99 and pKa₂ ≈3.90

1. Introduction

Aspartic acid is one of the 20 proteinogenic amino acids, carrying a negative charge at physiological pH. It participates in protein synthesis, the Krebs cycle, and pyruvate transamination.

In the body, L-aspartate acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and a precursor to other amino acids (threonine, methionine) and nucleotides. It is used in sports nutrition to improve endurance and reduce fatigue.

2. Production

Fermentation of sucrose or glucose by Corynebacterium glutamicum strains, followed by purification and crystallization.

3. Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Melting Point: 270 °C (decomposes)

• Solubility: 5.5 g/100 mL in water at 20 °C; insoluble in non-polar solvents

• Ionization: Diprotic acid with pKa₁ ≈1.99 and pKa₂ ≈3.90

4. Applications

• Sports nutrition – improving aerobic metabolism and reducing muscle fatigue (3–10 g/day)

• Pharmaceuticals – acid-base balance regulator, component of parenteral mixtures

• Biochemical research – amino group donor in transamination reactions

5. Conclusion

Aspartic acid is an important metabolite and biologically active component of sports and pharmaceutical products, strengthening energy metabolism and supporting CNS function.