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Glucuronolactone

Glucuronolactone^[1]

IUPAC name	(2R)-2-[(2S,3R,4S)-3,4-Dihydroxy-5-oxo -tetrahydrofuran-2-yl]-2-hydroxy-acetaldehyde
Other names	Glucuronic acid lactone
Identifiers
CAS number	32449-92-6
PubChem	92283
SMILES	C(=O)[C@@H]([C@@H]1[C@@H] ([C@@H](C(=O)O1)O)O)O
Properties
Molecular formula	C₆H₈O₆
Molar mass	176.124
Melting point	176-178 °C
Solubility in water	26.9 g/100 mL
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Glucuronolactone is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the metabolism of glucose in the human liver. It is an important structural component of nearly all connective tissues.^[1] Glucuronolactone is also found in many plant gums.

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It has received some notoriety due to urban legends that it was a Vietnam War-era drug manufactured by the American government. The rumor goes on to say that it was banned due to several brain tumor-related deaths. The rumor has since been proven false, as neither the cited British Medical Journal article nor the "banning of its consumption" ever occurred. Furthermore, no warnings appear on the Food and Drug Administration website regarding its potential to cause brain tumors or other maladies.^[2]

Glucuronolactone is present in many energy drinks. Most of these drinks also contain caffeine, but glucuronolactone is included because it is purported to fight fatigue and provide a sense of well-being. According to "The Merck Index" (14th edition) it is also used as detoxicant.^[3]