Aspartame
[CAS 22839-47-0]

Identification

• Classification: Food additive >> Sweetener
• Name: Aspartame
• Synonyms: L-Aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester; Equal; Nutrasweet
• Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅
• Molecular Weight: 294.31
• Protein Sequence: DF
• CAS Registry Number: 22839-47-0
• EC Number: 245-261-3
• SMILES: COC(=O)[C@H](CC1=CC=CC=C1)NC(=O)[C@H](CC(=O)O)N

Properties

• Solubility: 54 mg/mL (CH3OH)
• Melting point: 248-250 °C
• Refractive index: 14.5
• alpha: 15.5 ° (c=4, 15N formic acid)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: H302-H315-H319-H332-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P280-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H332
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure	STOT RE	1	H372

Discovery and Applications

Discovered by chemist James M. Schlatter in the mid-20th century while researching anti-ulcer drugs, aspartame is a synthetic sweetener composed of two amino acids, phenylalanine and aspartic acid, linked to a methyl ester. Its extremely sweetness, about 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), has made it a popular choice for calorie-conscious consumers who want to reduce their sugar intake without sacrificing taste.

A notable feature of aspartame is its low calorie content, making it an ideal sugar substitute for those looking to control their weight or calorie intake. Unlike sugar, which provides 4 calories per gram, aspartame contains virtually no calories, so people can enjoy sweet foods and drinks without consuming extra calories.

Aspartame's versatility and stability have led to its widespread use in a variety of food and beverage products. It is commonly found in sugar-free or "diet" versions of soft drinks, energy drinks, flavored waters, yogurts, chewing gum, and other candies. Its ability to provide sweetness without causing tooth decay has also made it a popular ingredient in oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash.

Additionally, aspartame is suitable for people with diabetes or those following a low-carb diet because it does not significantly raise blood sugar levels. By incorporating aspartame into their diet, people with diabetes can enjoy sweetened foods and beverages without adversely affecting blood sugar control.

The safety of aspartame has been extensively studied and evaluated by regulatory agencies around the world. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others, have determined that aspartame is safe for humans when used within recommended limits. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the safety of aspartame, dispelling misconceptions and concerns about its potential health effects.

Despite its widespread use and acceptance, aspartame has faced criticism and controversy over the years, primarily related to anecdotal reports linking it to adverse health effects such as headaches, dizziness, and cancer. However, extensive scientific studies and systematic reviews have consistently found no reliable evidence to support these claims, reaffirming the safety of aspartame for the general population.

References

2018. Impact of Food Ingredients (Aspartame, Stevia, Prebiotic Oligofructose) on Fertility and Reproductive Outcomes in Obese Rats. *Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)*, 26(10).
DOI: 10.1002/oby.22325

2015. Metabolic and feeding behavior alterations provoked by prenatal exposure to aspartame. *Appetite*, 87.
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.12.213

1984. Peptide sweeteners. 6. Structural studies on the C-terminal amino acid of L-aspartyl dipeptide sweeteners. *Journal of Medicinal Chemistry*, 27(12).
DOI: 10.1021/jm00378a023