Amino Acids & Peptides
REACH
5-Hydroxytryptophan
CAS Number
56-69-9
EC Number
200-284-8
Abbreviation
5-HTP
Industries: Personal Care & Cosmetics
What is 5-Hydroxytryptophan?
5-Hydroxytryptophan (CAS 56-69-9), commercially known as 5-HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid intermediate derived primarily from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia.
Where is 5-Hydroxytryptophan used?
- Dietary supplements and nutraceuticals: direct precursor to serotonin for mood, sleep and appetite formulations
- Supplement manufacturing: primary active in capsule, tablet and softgel formats for sleep support and stress management
- Weight management categories
- Functional food and beverage development: serotonin-pathway support positioning
- Cosmetics and personal care: anti-aging and skin-tone products
- Pharmaceutical-grade material serves as a reference standard in analytical method development.
Commercial specifications
- Purity typically 98% or higher, confirmed by HPLC
- Packaging from small research quantities to bulk commercial volumes
- Sourced to USP or BP-aligned quality standards; testing for heavy metals and microbiological contaminants
Other Names (Synonyms)
5-HTP|DL-5-HTP|Tryptophan, 5-hydroxy-|9181P3OI6N|5-Hydroxytryptophane|Griffonia simplicifolia
What are the physical properties of 5-Hydroxytryptophan?
Melting Point 298 °C (decomp)
Boiling Point 361.16°C (rough estimate)
Density 1.484
Color Off-White to Pale Beige
Form solid
Water Solubility Soluble in water (4 mg/ml at 25°C), methanol.
Refractive Index 1.5200 (estimate)
Log P -0.292 (est)
How is 5-Hydroxytryptophan classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable GHS06· Toxic GHS07· Irritant
Hazard Statements
H226 Flammable liquid and vapor
H301 Toxic if swallowed
H302 Harmful if swallowed
H319 Causes serious eye irritation
H332 Harmful if inhaled
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to 5-Hydroxytryptophan?
WGK (Germany) 3