Description and references

Naturally occurring osmolyte found in marine organisms; counteracts protein-destabilizing factors such as urea, temperature, salt, and hydrostatic pressure. The enzymatic reduction to trimethylamine, q.v., is used as an indication of spoilage in stored fish. Prepn of the dihydrate: W. R. Dunstan, E. Goulding, J. Chem. Soc. 75, 792 (1899); of the anhydrous compd: J. A. Soderquist, C. L. Anderson, Tetrahedron Lett. 27, 3961 (1986). Determn in natural waters and biological media: A. D. Hatton, S. W. Gibb, Anal. Chem. 71, 4886 (1999). Review of use as reagent in organometallic chemisty: T.-Y. Luh, Coord. Chem. Rev. 60, 255-276 (1984); in organic synthesis: H.-J. Knlker, J. Prakt. Chem. 338, 190-192 (1996). Review of distribution in marine animals of various habitats: R. H. Kelly, P. H. Yancey, Biol. Bull. 196, 18-25 (1999); of biosynthesis, distribution and biological role: B. A. Seibel, P. J. Walsh, J. Exp. Biol. 205, 297-306 (2002); P. H. Yancey et al., Comp. Biochem. Physiol. A 133, 667-676 (2002).

Properties

Derivative

Caution