The molecule is a L-histidine derivative which is an intermediate in the synthesis of ergothioneine, a compound found in certain fungi and mycobacteria. It has a role as a fungal metabolite. It is an ammonium betaine, a sulfoxide, a L-cysteine derivative and a L-histidine derivative. It is a tautomer of a hercynylcysteine sulfoxide zwitterion.
(2S)-3-[2-[(2R)-2-amino-2-carboxyethyl]sulfinyl-1H-imidazol-5-yl]-2-(trimethylazaniumyl)propanoate