dopa

chemical compound

Also known as: dihydroxyphenylalanine

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Dopa is a phenolic amino acid with the chemical formula C₉H₁₁NO₄. It occurs naturally, such as in fava beans, or can be synthesized. The levorotatory form, known as L-dopa, is particularly significant as it is converted to dopamine in the brain and is used to treat Parkinson's disease. Dopamine itself is a crucial neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and movement, and its deficiency is linked to Parkinson's disease. Abnormalities in dopamine transmission are also associated with conditions like schizophrenia.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

dopamine
…intermediate compound from dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) during metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine and is the precursor of the catecholamine neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is produced mainly in the regions of the brain known as the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA), and hypothalamus.
Read More
…intermediate compound from dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa) during metabolism of the amino acid tyrosine and is the precursor of the catecholamine neurotransmitters epinephrine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is produced mainly in the regions of the brain known as the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area (VTA), and hypothalamus.
Read More