描述
β-alanine betaine, also known as beta-homobetaine or propiobetaine, is a member of the class of compounds known as tetraalkylammonium salts. Tetraalkylammonium salts are organonitrogen compounds containing a quaternary ammonium substituted with four alkyl chains. β-alanine betaine is practically insoluble (in water) and a weakly acidic compound (based on its pKa). β-alanine betaine can be found in a number of food items such as cabbage, ohelo berry, olive, and common salsify, which makes β-alanine betaine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these food products.