Common name
Glucuronolactone
IUPAC Name
(2R)-2-[(2S,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-acetaldehyde
Line Structural Diagram
Physical Properties
Glucuronolactone is a white solid odorless compound.
Soluble in hot and cold water.
Chemical Properties
Its melting point ranges from 176 to 178 °C
The compound can exist in a monocyclic aldehyde form or in a bicyclic hemiacetal (lactol) form.
The molecular weight of this compound is 176.12412 [g/mol]
Natural sources of Glucuronolactone
Glucuronolactone is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body and is used to build many of the connective tissues. It is produced in the human liver through the metabolism of glucose. …show more content…
Glucuronolactone is also produced naturally in the gums of plants.
How is this compound prepared?
Glucuronolactone can be formed when glucuronic acid is degraded in subcritical water interchangeably..
The human liver naturally produces glucuronolactone from glucose and controls glycogen formation.
Risks of inducing Glucuronolactone
Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical in the body and all though they have been many rumors and myths about this chemical, it has been proven that the chemical is safe and poses no medical or psychological threats.
Rumors circulating glucuronolactone included migraines, brain tumors, health concerns and even death.
Uses of Glucuronolactone
Glucuronolactone is a popular ingredient in energy drinks with claims that it detoxifies the body.
Glucuronolactone is an ingredient found in Red Bull which is said to increase awareness, fight fatigue, and provide an overall sense of well-being.
This chemical is also used by body builders before and after working out as a performance enhancer and recovery
aid.
References
"Glucuronolactone." The Effects of to the Body -. N.p., 25 May 2012. Web. 31 May 2013.
"Glucuronolactone." Examine.com. N.p., 14 Dec. 2012. Web. 31 May 2013.
"Glucuronolactone." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 25 May 2013. Web. 31 May 2013.
Wells, Shawn. "Bodybuilding.com - Glucuronolactone And The Athlete." Bodybuilding.com - Glucuronolactone And The Athlete. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2013.
"What Is Glucuronolactone?" WiseGEEK. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2013.
Wilkingson, Barbara. "Bull Marketed." Snopes.com: Red Bull Is Dangerous? N.p., 20 Jan. 2012. Web. 31 May 2013.