threonát

Threonáte is a term that typically refers to the salt or ester of threonine. Threonine itself is one of the twenty proteinogenic amino acids, meaning it is one of the building blocks of proteins in living organisms. It is an essential amino acid, which implies that the human body cannot synthesize it and must obtain it from dietary sources. Threonine is characterized by its hydroxyl group and chiral center.

As a threonáte, it can exist in various forms depending on the specific cation or organic group attached. For instance, sodium threonáte would be a salt where a sodium ion balances the negative charge on the carboxylate group of threonine. Similarly, an ester of threonine would involve the reaction of the carboxyl group with an alcohol.

In the context of nutrition and biochemistry, threonine and its derivatives play crucial roles. Threonine is a precursor for several important biomolecules, including glycine and serine, and is involved in the synthesis of antibodies, collagen, and elastin. While threonine itself is widely studied, specific threonáte compounds are often encountered as pharmaceutical ingredients, supplements, or intermediates in chemical synthesis. For example, magnesium L-threonate, a specific threonáte salt, has gained attention for its purported benefits in cognitive function due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. The term "threonáte" encompasses this diverse range of compounds derived from the amino acid threonine.