Taurine, Tauric Acid, Amino Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Amino Ethyl Sulfonate, 107-35-7

Taurine, Tauric Acid, Amino Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Amino Ethyl Sulfonate, 107-35-7

Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Taurine

• Molecular Formula: C₂H₇NO₃S

• Molecular Weight: 125.15 g/mol

• CAS Number: 107-35-7

• Class: Aminosulfonic acid (2-amino derivative of ethanesulfonic acid)

• Origin: Derived from methionine and cysteine metabolism; naturally occurring in animal tissues

General Characteristics

• Sulfur-containing amino acid, but not incorporated into proteins

• Found widely in animal tissues (heart, brain, retina, muscle)

• Natural sources: meat, fish, dairy products

• Despite the name association, taurine has no relation to bulls

Synonyms / Other Names

• 2-Ethanesulfonic acid

• Aminoethanesulfonic acid

• Beta-aminoethanesulfonate

• Tauric acid

• TATU, TURIN (commercial names)

• CAS 107-35-7

Production Methods

• Chemical synthesis:

  • Ethylene oxide + sodium bisulfite → intermediate

  • Reaction with liquid ammonia and sulfuric acid → taurine

  • Purification via crystallization, centrifugation, drying

• Natural extraction:

  • From fish, shellfish, mammalian organs

  • Historically first isolated from bile (bezoar)

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Appearance: White or colorless crystalline powder

• Taste/Odor: Slightly acidic taste, odorless

• Melting Point: ~325–328 °C

• Density: ~1.7 g/cm³

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water (65 g/L at 25 °C); insoluble in ethanol, ether, acetone

• pH: 4.5–6.0 in aqueous solution

• Stability: Hygroscopic; stable for up to 36 months in sealed packaging

Biological Functions

• Osmoregulation: Maintains cellular fluid balance

• Antioxidant: Reduces oxidative stress

• Cardiovascular: Supports heart function, reduces arrhythmia risk, regulates blood pressure

• Nervous system: Promotes brain development, nerve conduction, calming effect

• Vision: Essential for retinal health

• Liver and bile: Combines with bile acids to aid lipid digestion

Applications

Pharmaceutical / Medical

• Treatment of retinal degeneration

• Prevention of dilated cardiomyopathy in cats (essential dietary additive)

• Supportive therapy in Parkinson’s disease and neurological disorders

• Used in metabolic syndrome management (obesity, cholesterol, insulin resistance, hypertension)

• Periodontal disease treatment, alopecia therapy

• Excipient in pharmaceutical formulations (tablets, capsules, eye drops)

Sports Nutrition

• Common in energy drinks (often combined with caffeine)

• Enhances endurance and reduces fatigue

Cosmetics

• Incorporated into beauty creams for anti-aging and skin vitality

Veterinary / Animal Nutrition

• Essential additive in cat food (cats cannot synthesize taurine)

Food / Nutraceuticals

• Added to infant formulas, dairy products, fortified beverages

• Regulatory limits: typically 0.1–0.5 g/kg depending on product category

Safety and Risk

• Toxicity: LD50 (oral, rabbit) > 5000 mg/kg → low toxicity

• Hazard classification: Irritant (eyes, skin, respiratory system)

• Precautions: Avoid direct contact; store sealed, away from moisture and light

Summary

Taurine is a non-protein sulfur amino acid with wide physiological roles in osmoregulation, cardiovascular health, nervous system function, and vision. It is extensively used in pharmaceuticals, sports nutrition, cosmetics, veterinary feed, and fortified foods. Despite not being part of protein synthesis, taurine is considered essential for growth, development, and metabolic regulation.

Synonyms and Identifiers

• Taurine

• 2-Aminoethanesulfonic acid

• Aminoethanesulfonic acid

• β-Aminoethanesulfonic acid

• 2-Ethanesulfonic acid

• Tauric acid

• TATU (trade/short name)

• TURIN (trade/short name)

• Aminoethylsulfonate

• CAS 107-35-7

• EINECS 203-483-8

Notes

• Taurine is sometimes referred to as a sulfonic acid derivative rather than a classical amino acid, since it does not participate in protein biosynthesis.

• In commercial products, you may also encounter labels like “Taurine extrapure” or “Taurine pharma grade” depending on purity and intended use.

• Always verify with CAS number (107-35-7) in COA/TDS to avoid confusion with similar sulfonic acid derivatives.