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Aspartame - Artificial Sweetener


The chemical compound of Phenylalanine is an amino acid with the chemical formula of C6H5CH2CH(NH2)COOH and molecular formula of C9H11NO2. It is a neutral acid that is used to biochemically form proteins. It is an essential amino acid, meaning that humans must get it from their diet.
             Like peptides, aspartame may hydrolyze and break down into its constitute amino acids under conditions of elevated temperature or high pH. This is why it is undesirable as a baking sweetener as it is prone to degradation in products hosting high pH as required for a long shelf life. The main parts of the organic compound are a carboxylic acid and amine. This half bonds with the nitrogen of phenylalanine to make the full compound. The compound has a very high melting point of 249 degree Celsius. When looking at it, it has a white color to it. It is usually in the form of a tablet or a powder. It is a stable compound, but it is incompatible with strong oxidizing agent. But it is recommended to avoid inhaling the powder as it is a safety hazard.
             I first become interested in the chemical compound of aspartame as when I was younger and would go to restaurants my dad would tell me that if I ever wanted to use or eat sugar, to only use the white packets and not use any other colors such as the pink, blue, or yellow packets. He also said for me not to drink diet drinks as they are unhealthy just like the not white packet sugars. Whenever asking why, he would say that it is not good for me. I was curious as to what it was and why it was bad for me. When I tried it, I could not see as to why it could possibly be bad as it tasted good and sweet like sugar and actually was sweeter. I later found out it was the chemical compound of Aspartame and now have learned as to why my dad would tell me not to eat it. .
             Many argue that aspartame is one of the most dangerous substances added to most foods today. Aspartame has been used since the early 1980s in thousands of different food and beverage products.


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