2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid
# 2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid

2-Aminothiazoline-4-carboxylic acid (ACTA) is the organosulfur compound and a heterocycle with the formula $HO_2CCHCH_2SCNH_2N.$ This derivative of thiazoline is an intermediate in the industrial synthesis of L-cysteine, an amino acid. ACTA exists in equilibrium with its tautomer 2-iminothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid.

It is produced by the reaction of methyl chloroacrylate with thiourea. It is also a biomarker for cyanide poisoning, as it results from the condensation of cysteine and cyanide.

