The enzyme ectoine synthase () catalyzes the chemical reaction which forms the osmoprotectant ectoine in many bacteria, including Halomonas elongata, Bacillus pasteurii and Marinococcus halophilus.
This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the hydro-lyases, which cleave carbon-oxygen bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is (2S)-4-acetamido-2-aminobutanoate (L-ectoine-forming). Other names in common use include N-acetyldiaminobutyrate dehydratase, ''N-acetyldiaminobutanoate dehydratase, L-ectoine synthase, EctC, and 4-N''-acetyl-L-2,4-diaminobutanoate hydro-lyase (L-ectoine-forming).
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