trans2butenoate

trans2butenoate, also known as crotonate, is the conjugate base or ester of trans-2-butenoic acid. This organic compound has the chemical formula C4H5O2-. In its anionic form, it is a carboxylate ion. As an ester, it is derived from trans-2-butenoic acid and an alcohol. The 'trans' designation refers to the geometry around the carbon-carbon double bond, where the two higher priority groups are on opposite sides. This isomer is distinct from its cis counterpart, cis-2-butenoate (or angelic acid ester).

trans2butenoate can be found as a metabolite in various biological systems. It is an intermediate in the metabolism of fatty acids and other organic molecules. For instance, it is involved in the anaerobic fermentation processes in certain microorganisms. The presence of the double bond and the carboxylate group makes it a reactive species, capable of undergoing addition reactions and other transformations characteristic of unsaturated carboxylic acids and their derivatives. Its chemical properties are influenced by both the electron-withdrawing nature of the carboxylate group and the electron density of the double bond.