L-Carnitine
CAS 541-15-1
EC 208-768-0
Formula C7H15NO3
MW 161.2 g/mol
Amino Acids & Peptides Personal Care & CosmeticsPharmaceuticals & HealthcareFood & Nutrition pH Regulation & BufferingHumectant & MoisturizingEmulsification & DispersionPreservation & Biocide
Description
L-Carnitine (CAS 541-15-1) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative commercially available under trade names including Levocarnitine, Carnifeed, and Bicarnesine. It carries no E-code designation and is classified under HS code 29239000. It is also referred to informally as Vitamin BT in older literature.
In pharmaceutical formulations, L-Carnitine acts as a buffering agent to stabilise pH in injectable and oral preparations. In personal care, it functions as a humectant by attracting and retaining moisture within the skin matrix, and as a skin conditioner that supports cellular energy metabolism at the dermal level. Food and nutrition applications leverage its role in fatty acid transport across mitochondrial membranes.
L-Carnitine is supplied as a white crystalline powder in pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur., USP/FCC compliant) and cosmetic-grade specifications. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the European Economic Area. Packaging is typically available in 25 kg fibre drums or smaller quantities for formulation development.
In pharmaceutical formulations, L-Carnitine acts as a buffering agent to stabilise pH in injectable and oral preparations. In personal care, it functions as a humectant by attracting and retaining moisture within the skin matrix, and as a skin conditioner that supports cellular energy metabolism at the dermal level. Food and nutrition applications leverage its role in fatty acid transport across mitochondrial membranes.
L-Carnitine is supplied as a white crystalline powder in pharmaceutical-grade (Ph.Eur., USP/FCC compliant) and cosmetic-grade specifications. It is fully REACH-registered for supply within the European Economic Area. Packaging is typically available in 25 kg fibre drums or smaller quantities for formulation development.
Physical Properties
| 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℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Warning GHS07
H
H315H319
P
P264P280P321P264+P265P302+P352P332+P317P337+P317P362+P364P305+P351+P338
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29239000 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 3 |
Other Names
(3R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoateLevocarnitine(-)-L-CarnitineCarnitineVitamin BTBICARNESINECARNIFEED(R)
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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