L-Monosodium Glutamate

**Molecular formula:** C₅H₈NO₄Na

**Chemical formula (condensed):**

HOOCCHNH₂CH₂CH₂COONa

**Molar mass:** 169,11 g/mol (anhydrous)

**Information:** L- sodium glutamate (also called monosodium glutamate) is a salt of L-glutamic acid, one of the 22 proteinogenic (encoded) amino acids in living organisms. In the crystalline state it is an odourless white powder with mild meat flavour.

**Use:** It is used in the food industry as an additive (E621) to increase the intensity of the taste of the food (typical flavouring in Asian cuisine).