L-lysine
Description
L-Lysine (CAS 56-87-1), commonly abbreviated as Lys, is an essential amino acid supplied commercially for use across food, feed, pharmaceutical, and personal care manufacturing. It cannot be synthesized by humans or most animals, making it a critical nutritional input.
The material is sourced through fermentation-based production to ensure high purity and consistency. FEMA 3847 designates its recognized status as a flavoring substance in applicable markets, supporting its use in various food applications.
In animal nutrition, it is added to swine and poultry feed formulations to correct amino acid deficiencies in grain-based diets. This directly improves feed conversion ratios and supports the overall growth and health of livestock.
Food manufacturers incorporate it into protein-fortified products, meal replacements, and functional beverages. This is particularly important where amino acid profile completeness is a labeling or formulation requirement for the end consumer.
Pharmaceutical producers use it as an active ingredient or excipient in tablet formulations. This includes lysine-based salt forms that improve the solubility of co-formulated compounds, enhancing the efficacy of the final medicinal product.
In personal care, it functions as a conditioning agent and humectant in hair and skin formulations. It is highly valued in products where amino acid-based moisturization is specified to improve texture and hydration levels.
The product is supplied primarily as L-Lysine HCl in powder or granular form, with free base powder available for select applications. Standard grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and food-grade options.
Feed-grade material is supplied to FAMI-QS or equivalent quality standards to ensure safety. Bulk quantities are available in 25 kg bags, with feed-grade often offered in higher-volume supersacks for industrial use.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 5-224 °C (decomp) |
| Boiling Point | 265.81°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.2362 g/cm³ |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
| Color | White to light yellow |
| Odor | odorless |
| Form | Powder or Crystals |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water. Insoluble in ethanol, ethyl ether, acetone, benzene and common neutral solvent. |
| Refractive Index | 26 ° (C=2, 5mol/L HCl) |
| pH | 9.74 |
| Log P | -3.05 |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29224100 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Documentation
Other Names
L-lys|6-ammonio-L-norleucine|(S)-α,ε-diaminocaproic acid|(S)-lysine|(S)-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid|Lysine|LYS|lysine acid
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