C5H11NO4

C5H11NO4 is the molecular formula for several different chemical compounds, all of which share this specific atomic composition. One of the most common substances with this formula is L-serine, an alpha-amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and play crucial roles in various biological processes. L-serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the human body can synthesize it. It is involved in the synthesis of phospholipids, purines, and pyrimidines, and is a precursor to other amino acids like glycine and cysteine.

Another compound with the formula C5H11NO4 is D-serine, the stereoisomer of L-serine. While L-serine is prevalent in proteins, D-serine is found in smaller quantities in the brain and plays a role in neurotransmission. Other less common compounds fitting this formula might include various isomers of carbamates or hydroxylated amines, depending on the specific arrangement of atoms. The exact properties and applications of a compound with the molecular formula C5H11NO4 are determined by its specific chemical structure, not solely by its empirical formula. Therefore, identifying the precise compound requires further structural information.