Overview

L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (ell-ass-par-TEEL ell-fee-no-AL-uh-neen METH-el ESS-ter) is an artificial sweetener more widely known as aspartame. It is sold under a number of brand names, including NutraSweet®, Equal®, Spoonful®, Benevia®, Indulge®, NatraTaste®, and Equal-Measure®. Unlike sugar, which is a carbohydrate, aspartame is a dipeptide, a compound made of two amino acids joined to each other. It is 180 to 200 times as sweet as sucrose (table sugar), but provides no calories to a person's diet. It is a satisfactory substitute for sugar, therefore, for people who must or wish to reduce their caloric intake.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Aspartame

Formula:

C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅

Elements:

Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen

Compound Type:

Ester (organic)

State:

Solid

Molecular Weight:

294.30 g/mol

Melting Point:

246.5°C (475.7°F)

Boiling Point:

Not applicable

Solubility:

Slightly soluble in water; insoluble in alcohol, benzene, ether, and most other organic solvents

Aspartame was discovered...