Melatonin Molecule in 3D: C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂ Structure and Facts
Melatonin is the hormone that helps control the sleep and wake cycle. The body releases more of it when it gets dark. In Molecule Studio you can spin the melatonin molecule, zoom in on each atom and measure its bonds.
Explore in 3DMelatonin quick facts
| Chemical formula | C₁₃H₁₆N₂O₂ |
|---|---|
| Molar mass | 232.28 g/mol |
| Atoms in one molecule | 33 |
| Shape | Two fused rings with a side chain |
| Group | Body |
What is melatonin used for?
- Controlling the sleep cycle
- Sleep supplements in some countries
- Helping with jet lag
Interesting facts about melatonin
- It is made by the pineal gland in the brain.
- Darkness boosts melatonin and bright light lowers it.
- The body makes it from serotonin.
- Its levels change with the seasons.
What you can do in 3D
Turn the molecule to see it from every side, switch between ball and stick, space filling and wire views, and tap atoms to measure bond lengths and angles.
More body molecules
Melatonin questions
What is the formula of melatonin?
C13H16N2O2.
What does melatonin do?
It signals to the body that it is night and time to sleep.
Where is melatonin made?
Mainly in the pineal gland in the brain.
What is melatonin made from?
Serotonin, which in turn comes from the amino acid tryptophan.
Molecule Studio is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up. In the tool, molecules load from the built-in library or from PubChem.