Mechanism for Aspartame to methanol?

Thread starter jessedevin
Start date Feb 27, 2009
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Mechanism Methanol

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the chemical mechanism by which aspartame is converted to methanol. Aspartame, a dipeptide methyl ester, contains functional groups that facilitate this conversion, specifically the ester bond. The hydrolysis of the ester bond in aspartame leads to the release of methanol and aspartic acid. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for comprehending the metabolic pathways of artificial sweeteners.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of organic chemistry, specifically ester chemistry
Understanding of functional groups in organic molecules
Familiarity with hydrolysis reactions
Basic grasp of metabolic pathways involving artificial sweeteners

NEXT STEPS

Research the hydrolysis mechanism of esters in organic chemistry
Study the metabolic pathways of artificial sweeteners like aspartame
Learn about the structural characteristics of aspartame and its functional groups
Explore the health implications of methanol production from artificial sweeteners

USEFUL FOR

Chemistry students, organic chemists, nutritionists, and health professionals interested in the biochemical effects of artificial sweeteners.

Feb 27, 2009

jessedevin

Hey guys. Can someone show me the mechanism for Aspartame to methanol?

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Feb 27, 2009

Ygggdrasil

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Well, do you know the structure of aspartame? What part of the molecule do you think that the methanol comes from? What type of functional groups would be involved in such a reaction?