glycinates

Glycinates are salts or coordination compounds in which glycine, the simplest amino acid, acts as a ligand to a metal ion. In these complexes, the glycine ligand (glycinate) is derived from deprotonated glycine and typically coordinates in a bidentate fashion through the amino nitrogen and one carboxylate oxygen, forming a chelate to the metal center. Glycinates occur as various stoichiometries, such as [M(gly)2] or [M(gly)3], depending on the metal and synthesis conditions.

In coordination chemistry, metal glycinates are studied for their structural properties, reactivity, and potential use as catalysts, precursors to more complex complexes, or as components in materials. The glycinate ligand can stabilize a range of metals, including transition metals and main-group elements, influencing properties such as solubility and stability.

In nutrition and agriculture, glycinate forms of minerals are marketed as chelated minerals, including magnesium glycinate, calcium glycinate, iron glycinate, zinc glycinate, and others. These chelated minerals are promoted for potentially improved bioavailability and gentler gastrointestinal tolerability compared with some inorganic salts, though results vary by mineral and formulation. Synthesis typically involves reacting a metal salt with glycine under aqueous conditions to yield the corresponding glycinates, which are then isolated as solids or used in solution.

Overall, glycinates are versatile in both chemical and industrial contexts, serving as a bridge between amino acid chemistry and metal coordination.