Methionine

What is Methionine?

Molecular Formula (Methionine): C₅H₁₁NO₂S

Molecular Weight: 149.21 g/mol

Chemical Name: (S)-2-Amino-4-(methylthio)butanoic acid

CAS Number: 63-68-3 (L) / 59-51-8 (DL)

It is among the 9 essential amino acids that are not naturally produced in the body but are used within the human organism. It is an amino acid responsible for protein synthesis. Therefore, it must be obtained through the diet from foods such as fish and dairy products.

L and DL forms are available. Methionine in the L-form is actively involved in protein synthesis.

Organisms in the body require sulfur to regenerate themselves and eliminate toxic substances. This sulfur requirement is provided by methionine. It is an important factor in the bioavailability and absorption of zinc and selenium elements by the body.

Other Names Are As Follows;

• Methionine
• Methionine
• L-Methionine
• DL-Methionine
• Cas No 63-68-3
• Cas No 59-51-8
• Methylanine
• Poly-L-methionine
• 2-Amino-4-methylthiobutanoic acid (S)
• S-Methyl-L-homocysteine

How is it Produced?

Methionine production is carried out using Hydrogen Cyanide, Methyl Mercaptan, Acrolein, and Ammonium Carbonate. The production is performed in a continuously operating fixed-bed reactor.

Other chemical substances used in the production process include Activated carbon, sodium hydroxide, ethyl alcohol, ammonia, and glacial Acetic Acid.

What are the Physical and Chemical Properties?

Physically, it appears as white or colorless plates or in powder form.

It has a sulfurous taste.

The melting point is 283 °C.

The boiling point is 181 °C.

In terms of solubility, its solubility in water is 56.6 g/L at 25 °C. It dissolves in dilute ethyl alcohol.

It emits toxic fumes if heated.

Its density is 1.178 g/mL.

What are the Usage Areas of Methionine?

• It is used in the formulation of drugs produced to prevent liver damage in patients suffering from Acetaminophen poisoning.
• S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine is responsible for relieving musculoskeletal disorders, liver diseases, and premenstrual disorders in the body. Methionine helps in the synthesis of S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine within the body.
• It is used in the production of antidepressant drugs as it has properties as effective as tricyclic antidepressant drugs.
• It is used in the production of drugs for treating diseases such as Parkinson's disease, radiation poisoning, certain allergies, and asthma.
• It is an important component in the production of antistatic skin care creams in the cosmetics industry.
• It is used as a feed additive in the production of cattle feed. In this application, it provides fat enrichment properties.
• It is used for the acidification of urine in humans and animals. It is used in drugs produced to treat problems occurring in the urinary tract.
• Used in animal feed, it helps in the synthesis of choline.
• In case of Methionine deficiency in poultry, weight loss, weak growth, and incomplete liver and kidney functions have been observed. Therefore, it is used as a nutritional supplement in poultry feed.
• It is used to increase the egg yield of chickens.
• It is used in the production of drugs for treating patients with bladder disorders because it prevents bladder irritation by creating ammonia-free urine.

What Factors Affect the Prices?

The price of Methionine is directly dependent on the prices of the raw materials used in its production. When the prices of Acrolein and Methyl Mercaptan increase, the price of Methionine will also increase.

Companies that sell Methionine are generally distributors of this chemical substance. The control of prices is directly dependent on distributor prices.

With the development of poultry production and the livestock sector in recent years, the use of Methionine has increased. Consequently, Methionine prices have risen in the global market.