The enzyme ectoine synthase () catalyzes the chemical reaction
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 (<small>L</small>-ectoine-forming). Other names in common use include N-acetyldiaminobutyrate dehydratase, N-acetyldiaminobutanoate dehydratase, <small>L</small>-ectoine synthase, EctC, and 4-N-acetyl-<small>L</small>-2,4-diaminobutanoate hydro-lyase (<small>L</small>-ectoine-forming). This enzyme participates in glycine, serine and threonine metabolism.