L-tryptophan
Description
L-Tryptophan (CAS 73-22-3) is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize, making dietary and supplemental sourcing critical for both food and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Known by the abbreviation L-Trp, it functions as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin in biological systems and serves as a nutritional fortification agent across multiple industries.
In dietary supplements and functional foods, L-Trp is formulated into capsules, tablets, and fortified beverages targeting sleep support and mood-related nutrition products.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an active ingredient or excipient in amino acid infusion solutions and parenteral nutrition formulations for clinical healthcare settings.
Animal feed producers incorporate it to correct tryptophan-deficient diets in swine and poultry, improving feed efficiency and growth performance in commercial livestock operations.
In personal care, it is used in amino acid-based moisturizing formulations where its humectant properties support skin conditioning claims and cosmetic product stability.
L-Tryptophan is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is available in food-grade (FCC), USP, and pharmaceutical-grade specifications to meet compliance requirements.
Bulk supply is standard for feed and food applications, with pharmaceutical-grade material available in smaller, documented quantities for GMP manufacturing and laboratory use.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 282 °C |
| Boiling Point | 342.72°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.34 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Color | White to yellow-white |
| Odor | wh. cryst. or cryst. odorless powd., sl. bitter taste |
| Form | powder |
| Water Solubility | 11.4 g/L (25 ºC) |
| Refractive Index | -32 ° (C=1, H2O) |
| pH | 5.5-7.0 (10g/l, H2O, 20℃) |
| Log P | 0.704 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29339990 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Documentation
Other Names
(2S)-2-azaniumyl-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoate|Trp|L-β-3-indolylalanine|L-Trp|L-beta-3-Indolylalanine|L-alpha-Amino-3-indolepropionic acid|Indole-3-alanine|(S)-α-amino-1H-indole-3-propanoic acid
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