The molecule is an iminium betaine that is L-alanine in which the amino group is replaced by a 5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridinium-1-yl moiety. It has a role as a flavouring agent. It derives from a L-alanine.
(2S)-2-[5-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridin-1-ium-1-yl]propanoate