MOLECULE

L-3-Cyanoalanine

L-3-Cyanoalanine, also known as L-beta-cyanoalanine, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as l-alpha-amino acids. These are alpha amino acids which have the L-configuration of the alpha-carbon atom. L-3-Cyanoalanine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa). L-3-Cyanoalanine exists in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. Outside of the human body, L-3-Cyanoalanine has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as summer savories, orange bell peppers, red rices, mixed nuts, and green bell peppers. This could make L-3-cyanoalanine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. These are amino acids in which the amino group is attached to the carbon atom immediately adjacent to the carboxylate group (alpha carbon). L-3-Cyanoalanine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.