107-35-7

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid with simple structure in animals. Its chemical name is 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid. Its molecular formula is C2H7NO3S and its molecular weight is 125.15. It is odorless and slightly sour. Reported found in beef, black beans, chicken, chick peas, clams, cod, fish, lamb, milk, octopus, oysters, pistachios, pork, scallops, shrimp and other natural sources.Taurine is an organic acid found in animal tissues and is a major constituent of bile. Disclosed in the present invention is a catalyst for preparing high purity taurine. Taurine has many biological roles such as conjugation of bile acids, antioxidation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization and modulation of calcium signaling. High urinary levels of taurine may be associated with stress reactions, depression, autism and psychosis.

Definition

ChEBI: An amino sulfonic acid that is the 2-amino derivative of ethanesulfonic acid. It is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from methionine and cysteine metabolism. An abundant component of fish- and meat-based foods, it has been used as an oral suppleme t in the treatment of disorders such as cystic fibrosis and hypertension.

General Description

Large white crystals or white powder.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Taurine is an amino acid found in combination with bile acids [Hawley].

Hazard

Toxic by ingestion.

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: Taurine evolves highly toxic fumes when heated to decomposition, and may cause irritation on contact.

Safety Profile

Experimental reproductive effects. Mutation data reported. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of SOx and NOx.

Veterinary Drugs and Treatments

Taurine is the most abundant amino acid in the heart. It helps support healthy cardiac rhythm, contraction, and helps support platelet aggregation levels. Taurine has proven beneficial in preventing retinal degeneration and the prevention and treatment of taurine-deficiency dilated cardiomyopathy in cats. Although modern commercial feline diets have added taurine, some cats still develop taurine-deficiency associated dilated cardiomyopathy. It may also be of benefit in taurine (±carnitine) deficient cardiomyopathy in American Cocker Spaniels and certain other breeds such as, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundlands, Dalmations, Portuguese Water Dogs, and English Bulldogs. Preliminary studies have shown evidence that it may be useful as adjunctive treatment for cardiac disease in animals even if taurine deficiency is not present. Because of its low toxicity, some have suggested it be tried for a multitude of conditions in humans and animals; unfortunately, little scientific evidence exists for these uses.

InChI:InChI=1/C2H7NO3S/c3-1-2-7(4,5)6/h1-3H2,(H-,4,5,6)