| Identification | Back Directory | [Name]
glyceraldehyde | [CAS]
367-47-5 | [Synonyms]
C02154
Aldotriose
Glycerinaldehyde
2,3-Dihydroxypropionaldehyde | [EINECS(EC#)]
206-695-9 | [Molecular Formula]
C3H6O3 | [MOL File]
367-47-5.mol |
| Hazard Information | Back Directory | [Description]
Glyceraldehyde is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) compound
with chemical formula C3H6O3. It is an intermediate
compound in the metabolism of carbohydrates, principally
when a molecule of fructose (a common sugar in fruits) is
hydrolyzed by enzymes to form one molecule of dihydroxyacetone
phosphate and one molecule of glyceraldehyde. The
word glyceraldehyde is derived from glycerine and aldehyde,
as glyceraldehyde is merely glycerine with one hydroxymethylene
group. | [Uses]
Glyceraldehyde is a sweet colorless crystalline solid with
a molecular weight of 90.08 g mol1. The solubility in water is
29 200 mg l-1. It is used in nutrition; in the preparation of
polyesters and adhesives; as a cellulose modifier; and in the
tanning of leather. It is also used in biochemical research as the
‘D’ stereoisomer is used as ‘reference’ chemical because it is one
of the simplest molecules to compare against other molecules,
such as sugars and amino acids. The conformation of the
alcohol and aldehyde groups around the central carbon of Dglyceraldehyde
helps scientists evaluate the structure and
nomenclature (identity) of other simple sugars, such as
glucose. This makes glyceraldehyde an important tool and
reference standard for the biochemist. | [Definition]
ChEBI: Glyceraldehyde is an aldotriose comprising propanal having hydroxy groups at the 2- and 3-positions. It plays role in the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), a deleterious accompaniment to ageing. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite. | [Environmental Fate]
Because this chemical is a metabolic intermediate and could
easily be utilized by microorganisms, a release or spill of this
compound into the general environment would not be
expected to have any long-term adverse effects as the half-life in
soil or water would be expected to be very brief. | [Toxicity evaluation]
Glyceraldehyde has only been shown to be toxic in cell cultures
where excess concentrations apparently interfere with normal
mechanisms of carbohydrate metabolism, possibly by forming
by-products induced by reactive oxygen species. |
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