2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl a-D-maltotrioside,CNPG3; G3CNP

2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl α-D-maltotrioside is a colorimetric substrate for α-amylases. Upon hydrolysis by α-amylases, 2-chloro-4-nitrophenol is released which can be quantified by colorimetric detection at 405 nm as a measure of enzyme activity. 2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl α-D-maltotrioside has been used to characterize the activity of human pancreatic or salivary amylase.

2-Chloro-4-nitrophenyl a-D-maltotrioside (2CNP) is a potent hypoglycemic agent that has been shown to decrease postprandial blood glucose levels in humans. 2CNP is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and ethanol. The transfer reactions of 2CNP are enhanced by benzalkonium chloride, which forms an organic complex with the drug. The optimum concentration for the hypoglycemic effect of 2CNP is determined to be 10 μM, which can be detected using an optical sensor. This compound also inhibits α-amylase and other enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, leading to the accumulation of glycogen and lowering the blood glucose level.