| Glucuronolactone[1] | |
|---|---|
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(2R)-2-[(2S,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-acetaldehyde |
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Other names
Glucuronic acid lactone; Glucurone; Glucurolactone; D-Glucurono-3,6-lactone |
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | 32449-92-6 |
| PubChem | 92283 |
| Jmol-3D images | Image 1 |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C6H8O6 |
| Molar mass | 176.12 g mol−1 |
| Density | 1.76 g/cm3 (30 °C) |
| Melting point |
176–178 °C |
| Solubility in water | 26.9 g/100 mL |
| (verify) (what is: /?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) |
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| Infobox references | |
Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical that is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues.[1] Glucuronolactone is also found in many plant gums.[1]
Contents |
Glucuronolactone is a white solid odorless compound, soluble in hot and cold water. Its melting point ranges from 176 to 178 °C.[1] The compound can exist in a monocyclic aldehyde form or in a bicyclic hemiacetal (lactol) form.
Glucuronolactone has received some notoriety due to urban legends that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government. The rumor goes on to say that it was banned due to several brain tumor-related deaths. The rumor has since been proven false, as neither the cited British Medical Journal article nor the "banning of its consumption" ever occurred. Furthermore, no warnings appear on the Food and Drug Administration website regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies.[2]
Glucuronolactone is rapidly absorbed and metabolised into non-toxic metabolites such as xylulose. In addition, humans may be able to use glucuronolactone as a precursor for ascorbic acid synthesis.[3] According to The Merck Index, it is also used as a detoxicant.[4]
Glucuronolactone is a popular ingredient in energy drinks with claims that it detoxifies the body. Although levels of glucuronolactone in energy drinks can far exceed those found in the rest of the diet, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that exposure to glucuronolactone from regular consumption of energy drinks is not a safety concern. The no observable adverse effect level of glucuronolactone is 1000 mg/kg/day.