Putrescine is a four-carbon alkane-alpha,omega-diamine. It is obtained by the breakdown of amino acids and is responsible for the foul odour of putrefying flesh. It has a role as a fundamental metabolite and an antioxidant. It is a conjugate base of a 1,4-butanediammonium.

Is putrescine an acid or base?

Putrescine, spermidine and spermine are widely distributed in the human body. They are strongly basic, low molecular weight compounds, which appear to be a universal prerequisite for growth [223].

What type of compound is putrescine?

Putrescine, also known as 1,4-butanediamine or 1,4-diaminobutane, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as monoalkylamines. These are organic compounds containing an primary aliphatic amine group. Putrescine is a very strong basic compound (based on its pKa).