Indican

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Indican
IUPAC name	(2R,3S,4S,5R,6S)-2-(Hydroxymethyl)-6-(1H-indol-3-yloxy)tetrahydropyran-3,4,5-triol
Identifiers
CAS number	[1328-73-0]
PubChem	441564
SMILES	C1=CC=C2C(=C1)C(=CN2)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C14H17NO6
Molar mass	295.29 g/mol
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Indican is a colourless organic compound, soluble in water, naturally occurring in Indigofera plants. It is a precursor of indigo dye.

Indican is a glycoside. Its hydrolysis yields β-D-glucose and indoxyl. Reaction of indoxyl by a mild oxidizing agent, eg. atmospheric oxygen, yields indigo dye. Such a reaction is seen in individuals affected by the blue diaper syndrome, who exhibit a defect in tryptophan metabolism. Tryptophan is first converted to indole, then to indican by bacteria in the gut. Indican is then excreted into the urine and from there into the diaper where, upon exposure to air, it is converted to indigo blue dye.

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