Vitamins
REACH
L-Carnitine
CAS Number
541-15-1
EC Number
208-768-0
What is L-Carnitine?
L-Carnitine (CAS 541-15-1), also marketed under the brand name Carnitor, is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound.
Where is L-Carnitine used?
- Dietary supplements and functional foods: declared active in sports nutrition products, energy drinks, and weight management formulations
- Pharmaceuticals: oral solutions, tablets, and infusion preparations targeting metabolic and cardiovascular indications
- Infant formula and clinical nutrition
- Personal care: skin and scalp treatments with moisturizing and conditioning performance
- It supports fatty acid metabolism pathways as a bioactive nutrient ingredient.
Good to know: Pharmaceutical grades are subject to tighter impurity and optical purity specifications. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, a salt form offering improved flow and stability, is also commercially available for solid dosage and supplement applications.
Other Names (Synonyms)
3-Carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-1-propanaminium hydroxide, inner salt|(3R)-3-hydroxy-4-trimethylammonio-butanoate|Carnitor|vitamin BT|(-)-Carnitine|Karnitin|1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt, (2R)-|Ammonium, (3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt, L-
What are the physical properties of L-Carnitine?
Melting Point 196-197 °C
Boiling Point 287.5°C (rough estimate)
Density 0.64 g/cm3
Appearance White crystalline
Color White
Form Crystals or Crystalline Powder
Water Solubility 2500 g/L (20 ºC)
Refractive Index -32 ° (C=1, H2O)
pH 6.5-8.5 (50g/l, H2O)
Log P -5.48 at 20℃
How is L-Carnitine classified and handled safely? Learn More
Warning
GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H315 Causes skin irritation
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
Precautionary Statements
P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label).
P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to L-Carnitine?
HS Code 29239000
Storage Class 11 - Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany) 3