[Name]: Shikimic acid
[CAS Number]:138-59-0
[Molecular formula]: C7H10O5
[Molucular weight]: 174.15
[Formulation]: white crystalline powder
[Botanical Source]: Illicium Verum Hook. f
[Purity]:98%
[CAS Number]:138-59-0
[Molecular formula]: C7H10O5
[Molucular weight]: 174.15
[Formulation]: white crystalline powder
[Botanical Source]: Illicium Verum Hook. f
[Purity]:98%
[Function]: Shikimic acid, more commonly known as its anionic form shikimate, is an important biochemical intermediate in plants and microorganisms. Its name comes from the Japanese flower shikimi, from which it was first isolated.
Shikimic acid is a precursor for:
§ the aromatic amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine,
§ indole, indole derivatives and aromatic amino acid tryptophan,
§ many alkaloids and other aromatic metabolites,
§ tannins, flavonoids, and lignin.
In the pharmaceutical industry, shikimic acid from the Chinese star anise is used as a base material for production of Tamiflu (oseltamivir).