Which of the following artificial sweetner is methylester of dipeptide formed from aspartic acid and phenylalanine ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 1, Aspartame, is the correct answer because it is indeed a methyl ester of a dipeptide composed of aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Aspartame is a widely used artificial sweetener that is approximately 200 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar). It is commonly used in various low-calorie and sugar-free products, including soft drinks, chewing gum, and desserts. The structure of aspartame includes a methyl ester group, which is crucial for its sweetening properties.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

2. **Alitame**: Alitame is another artificial sweetener, but it is not a methyl ester of a dipeptide formed from aspartic acid and phenylalanine. Instead, it is derived from the amino acids L-aspartic acid and D-alanine. Alitame is known for being much sweeter than aspartame, but its chemical structure is different, which disqualifies it as the correct answer.

3. **Saccharine**: Saccharine is one of the oldest artificial sweeteners and is not related to dipeptides or amino acids. It is a sulfonamide compound, which means its structure is entirely different from that of aspartame. Saccharine is known for its intense sweetness, but it does not involve aspartic acid or phenylalanine in its composition.

4. **Sucrolose**: Sucralose is another artificial sweetener, commonly known by the brand name Splenda. It is derived from sucrose (table sugar) by replacing three hydroxyl groups with chlorine atoms. Sucralose is not a dipeptide and does not involve aspartic acid or phenylalanine in its structure, making it an incorrect choice for this question.

In conclusion, Aspartame is the only option that fits the description of being a methyl ester of a dipeptide formed from aspartic acid and phenylalanine, which is why Option 1 is the correct answer.