N-Acetylgalactosamine

N-Acetylgalactosamine
IUPAC name	2-(Acetylamino)-2-deoxy-D-galactose
Other names	GalNAc; 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose; N-Acetylchondrosamine; 2-Acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactopyranose; N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine
Identifiers
CAS number	31022-50-1
PubChem	84265
SMILES	O[C@@H](C(CO)O[C@H](O)[C@H]1NC(C)=O)[C@H]1O
Properties
Molecular formula	C8H15NO6
Molar mass	221.21 g/mol
Melting point	172-173 °C
Hazards
S-phrases	S24/25
Related compounds
Related monosaccharides	N-Acetylglucosamine Galactosamine Galactose
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

N-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), is an amino sugar derivative of galactose.

Function

In humans it is the terminal carbohydrate forming the antigen of blood group A.

It is typically the first monosaccharide that connects serine or threonine in particular forms of protein O-glycosylation.

N-Acetylgalactosamine is necessary for intercellular communication, and is concentrated in sensory nerve structures of both humans and animals.

See also

• Galactosamine
• Globoside