4-Aminobutanal
| Names | |
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| IUPAC name
4-aminobutanal | |
| Other names
γ-Aminobutyraldehyde; gamma-Aminobutyraldehyde; 4-Aminobutyraldehyde; GABA aldehyde | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| Properties | |
| C4H9NO | |
| Molar mass | 87.122 g·mol−1 |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references | |
4-Aminobutanal, also known as γ-aminobutyraldehyde, 4-aminobutyraldehyde, or GABA aldehyde, is a metabolite of putrescine and a biological precursor of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It can be converted into GABA by the actions of diamine oxidase (DAO) and aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase (ABALDH) (e.g., ALDH9A1). Putrescine is converted into 4-aminobutanal via monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). However, biosynthesis of GABA from polyamines like putrescine is a minor metabolic pathway in the brain.
The related compound γ-hydroxybutyraldehyde (GHBAL) is a prodrug of γ-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) as well as a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BD) into GHB. However, aliphatic aldehydes like GHBAL are caustic, strong-smelling, and foul-tasting, and ingestion is likely to be unpleasant and result in severe nausea and vomiting.