L-Carnitine (Base)
CAS No: 541-15-1
Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₅NO₃
Molecular Weight: 161.20 g/mol
1. Product Description
L-Carnitine is a quaternary ammonium compound naturally synthesized in the human body from lysine and methionine. It plays a crucial role in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for β-oxidation and energy production. L-Carnitine is widely used in dietary supplements, sports nutrition, infant formula, and clinical nutrition products.
2. Specifications – Food / Nutraceutical / Pharmaceutical Grade
| Item | Specification / Typical Value | Method / Notes |
|---|
| Appearance | White hygroscopic crystalline powder | Visual |
| Identification | Positive for L-Carnitine | IR / HPLC |
| Assay (C₇H₁₅NO₃) | 97.0 – 103.0 % (on dry basis) | HPLC |
| Specific Optical Rotation | –29.0° to –32.0° | 20 °C |
| Loss on Drying (105 °C) | ≤ 1.0 % | USP |
| Residue on Ignition (Ash) | ≤ 0.1 % | USP |
| pH (10 % aqueous solution) | 5.0 – 7.0 | 25 °C |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 0.1 ppm | ICP |
| Residual Solvents | Complies with USP <467> | GC |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water, hygroscopic | Visual |
| Microbiological Limits | Total plate count ≤ 10³ cfu/g; Yeast & Mold ≤ 10² cfu/g; E. coli, Salmonella negative | ISO / USP |
3. Specifications – Industrial / Technical Grade
| Item | Specification / Typical Value |
|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay | ≥ 95.0 % |
| Moisture | ≤ 2.0 % |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.2 % |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 ppm |
Typical Applications:
Raw material for animal nutrition formulations
Intermediate for L-Carnitine derivatives (L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, Acetyl-L-Carnitine)
Non-food technical applications
4. Typical Applications
Sports Nutrition: Energy metabolism, recovery, fat metabolism
Medical Nutrition: Clinical supplementation for carnitine deficiency
Infant Formula: Essential nutrient for newborns (especially premature infants)
Functional Foods & Beverages: Fortification in health drinks
5. Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Taste: Slightly sweet, characteristic
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, hygroscopic
Stability: Stable under recommended storage; sensitive to humidity
6. Storage & Handling
Store in a cool, dry place, away from light and moisture
Keep container tightly closed to prevent caking
Follow GMP / HACCP protocols for food and pharma applications
7. Packaging
Food / Pharma Grade: 25 kg fiber drum or multi-layer kraft paper bags with PE liner
Industrial Grade: 25 kg woven bags or jumbo bags available
For more information, please visit this website:https://www.khonorchem.com
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