glycinol

Glycinol is a simple organic compound with the chemical formula C2H7NO. It is the amino alcohol derivative of glycine, the simplest amino acid. Structurally, glycinol can be thought of as glycine where the carboxylic acid group has been reduced to a primary alcohol group. It is also known as 2-aminoethanol or ethanolamine. Glycinol is a colorless, viscous liquid at room temperature and is miscible with water and ethanol. It has a characteristic ammoniacal odor.

The synthesis of glycinol can be achieved through various methods, including the reduction of glycine esters or the reaction of ammonia with ethylene oxide. Industrially, it is often produced by the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia. Glycinol is a versatile chemical intermediate. It is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, surfactants, and chelating agents. For instance, it is a precursor to certain drugs and is employed in the formulation of personal care products like shampoos and cosmetics due to its emulsifying and pH-adjusting properties. In biological contexts, ethanolamine is a component of phospholipids, which are essential building blocks of cell membranes. It is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters.