Cysteine hydrochloride

Cysteine hydrochloride (CAS 52-89-1), also known as L-Cysteine monohydrochloride, is the stabilized salt form of the amino acid L-cysteine.

Where is Cysteine hydrochloride used?

• Food and beverage: dough conditioner, antioxidant and reducing agent; prevents browning in fruit-based products
• Baking: reduces mixing time and improves dough extensibility
• By cleaving disulfide bonds in gluten networks, it enhances the texture of bread, crackers and pizza bases.
• Pharmaceutical: stabilizing excipient in injectable formulations
• Precursor in the synthesis of N-acetylcysteine and other sulfur-containing actives
• Personal care: active ingredient in professional hair-straightening treatments
• Controlled reduction of keratin disulfide bonds reshapes hair structure.

Good to know: It offers improved solubility and shelf stability over the free base form.

Commercial specifications

• Standard grades: USP, BP, Ph. Eur., EP
• Bulk supply in 25 kg bags; smaller packaging for pharmaceutical and specialty applications