L-isoleucine

L-Isoleucine (CAS 73-32-5) is an essential branched-chain amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize, so dietary or supplemental sourcing is necessary.

Where is L-isoleucine used?

• Industry: nutritional active and fermentation building block
• Pharmaceuticals: excipient or active ingredient in multiple formulation types
• Sports and clinical nutrition: BCAA blends, protein powders, medical foods targeting muscle metabolism
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it in amino acid infusion solutions and parenteral nutrition products.
• Food and beverage: functional drinks, meal replacements, fortified foods for amino acid profile requirements
• Cosmetics: skin-conditioning and hair care preparations
• Cell culture media for the growth of specific cell lines in biopharmaceutical and vaccine production.
• Development of medications for metabolic disorders and muscle-wasting diseases.

Good to know: Precise purity and endotoxin control are critical sourcing criteria for medical applications. Pharmaceutical grades carry additional specifications for residual solvents and microbial limits.

Formulation notes

• Incompatible with strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases, and moisture.

Typical specification

• pH 5.5–7.0 in a 1:100 aqueous solution.
• Specific optical rotation [α]²⁰D +38.9 to +41.8° (c=4, 6N HCl).
• Isoelectric point about 6.02, at which it is electrically neutral and least soluble, precipitating easily from solution.

Regulatory status

• API from this supplier is CEP compliant.
• API is available in Ph.Eur (EP), USP, BP and JP grades.
• REACH registered in the EU and approved as a food additive.

Storage, packaging and handling

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area between 2–30 °C.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.