C3H7N3O2

C3H7N3O2 is the molecular formula for several chemical compounds, most notably creatine. Creatine is a naturally occurring organic compound that plays a role in energy metabolism, particularly in muscle tissue. It is synthesized in the body from amino acids and can also be obtained from dietary sources like meat and fish. In its phosphorylated form, phosphocreatine, it serves as a readily available source of phosphate groups to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy currency of cells, during periods of high energy demand. This function is crucial for activities requiring short bursts of intense energy, such as sprinting or weightlifting.

Beyond creatine, other isomers with the molecular formula C3H7N3O2 exist. These are compounds that have the same atoms but are arranged differently in space, leading to distinct chemical properties. For example, guanidineacetic acid, also known as glycocyamine, shares this formula and is a precursor to creatine. Another isomer is nitroguanidine, a compound with explosive properties. The specific properties and applications of a compound with the formula C3H7N3O2 depend entirely on its unique molecular structure.