L-cysteic acid

L-Cysteic acid (CAS 498-40-8), also known as Cysteinesulfonic Acid, is a naturally occurring sulfonic amino acid derivative found in oxidized cysteine pathways. In industry, it functions as a flavoring agent and acidulant. It serves as a biochemical building block across food, pharmaceutical, and life science applications. In food and flavor systems, it contributes acidic and savory taste profiles, particularly in processed foods.

Flavor enhancer formulations targeting umami-adjacent sensory characteristics often utilize this compound. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an intermediate in the synthesis of taurine and other sulfur-containing amino acid derivatives. In peptide chemistry and biochemical research, it serves as a reference standard and building block for synthesizing sulfonic acid-bearing peptides. These are used extensively in proteomics and enzyme studies.

Life science suppliers also source it for use in cell culture media development and metabolic pathway research. The material is supplied as a white crystalline powder available in research-grade and technical-grade specifications. Pharmaceutical-grade material is produced to meet purity thresholds suitable for API intermediate use. Packaging ranges from small quantities for laboratory procurement to bulk quantities for industrial synthesis applications.