Betaine

Betaine as a class of organic chemical compounds is called, which carry both a positive and a negative charge in their molecular structure, outwardly so are uncharged. In betaines to these charges, unlike zwitterions not offset by proton migration. The eponymous compound of the group of substances, the betaine is a natural metabolite. Some such betaines are used in amphoteric surfactants.

Occasionally, amino acids are erroneously referred to as betaines, although in these inner salts ( zwitterions ), the charges can be compensated by a proton migration.