4Aminobutanal

4-Aminobutanal, also known as gamma-aminobutyraldehyde, is an organic compound with the formula C4H9NO. It consists of a four-carbon chain bearing an aldehyde group at one end and a primary amino group at the other, giving the structural arrangement NH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CHO. Synonyms include gamma-aminobutyraldehyde and 4-aminobutanal.

The molecule is small and bifunctional, containing both an aldehyde and a primary amine. At room temperature the amine is basic and can be protonated in solution, while the aldehyde is reactive toward nucleophiles. This dual functionality allows it to participate in various condensation reactions, including Schiff-base formation with other amines. Intramolecular cyclization to form a five-membered iminium-containing ring is possible under suitable conditions, and the compound can undergo further transformation such as reduction to 4-aminobutanol or oxidation to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Synthesis and occurrence: 4-Aminobutanal is not a common natural metabolite but is prepared synthetically for use as a building block in organic synthesis. One typical route is reductive amination of butanal with ammonia or with other amines. It serves as a versatile intermediate for the preparation of gamma-aminobutyric acid derivatives, as well as various heterocycles and peptide-like structures.

Safety: The compound is reactive and can be irritating. It should be handled with appropriate personal protective equipment and in a properly equipped laboratory, following relevant safety data and regulatory guidelines.