Question

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is commonly used as a flavouring in foods. Draw the structure of MSG.

Short answer

The structure of monosodium glutamate is as follows

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Explanation

The sodium salt of glutamic acid is known as monosodium glutamate (MSG). In order to form MSG two acidic protons in the carboxylic acid groups of glutamic acid are lost. It is impossible to predict which proton is lost. It allows formation of ionic compounds. MSG is used as a flavor enhance in cooking different food. Naturally MSG is present in tomatoes and cheese in the form of glutamic acid.

Structure

The structure of monosodium glutamate is as follows