Introduction
Name: homogentisic acid; (2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)acetic acid*; melanic acid
* IUPAC
CAS Number: 451-13-8
Molar Mass: 168.14672 g
Mass Percent: C 57.143 %; H 4.7955 %; O 38.060 %
Isomers: vanillic acid
Classification
• organic • aromatic • carboxylic acid • phenol
Uses/Function
• "An intermediate product of tyrosine catabolism; found in urine in alkaptonuria." 1
Bonding
Double Bonds: 4
Triple Bonds: 0
Sigma Bonds: 20
Pi Bonds: 4
Total: 24
Carboxyl Groups: 1
Hydroxyl Groups: 2
Hybridization: double bonded carbons and oxygens are sp2; remaining carbons and oxygen are sp3
For More Information
Sources
(1) - Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 18th ed.; F. A. David Company: Philadelphia, PA, 1997; p 21.