Sarcosine (N-Methylglycine)
CAS No: 107-97-1
Molecular Formula: C₃H₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: 89.09 g/mol
1. Product Description
Sarcosine, also known as N-Methylglycine, is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative. It appears as a white crystalline powder, is soluble in water, and is mildly sweet in taste. Sarcosine is used in nutritional supplements, pharmaceuticals, biochemical research, and cosmetic formulations.
2. Specifications – Food / Nutraceutical / Pharmaceutical Grade
| Item | Specification / Typical Value | Method / Notes |
|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Identification | Positive for N-Methylglycine | USP / FCC |
| Assay (C₃H₇NO₂) | 98.0 – 102.0 % (anhydrous basis) | HPLC / Titration |
| Loss on Drying (105 °C) | ≤ 0.5 % | USP |
| Residue on Ignition (Sulphated Ash) | ≤ 0.1 % | USP |
| pH (1 % aqueous solution) | 5.5 – 7.5 | 25 °C |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | USP <231> |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol | Visual |
| Microbiological Limits | Total plate count ≤ 10³ cfu/g; Yeast & Mold ≤ 10² cfu/g; E. coli and Salmonella negative | ISO / USP |
3. Specifications – Industrial / Technical Grade
| Item | Specification / Typical Value |
|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay (C₃H₇NO₂) | ≥ 96.0 % |
| Moisture | ≤ 1.0 % |
| Water-Insoluble Matter | ≤ 0.2 % |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 20 ppm |
Typical Applications:
Intermediate in chemical synthesis
Biochemical reagent in research
Ingredient in cosmetic formulations
4. Typical Applications
Nutraceuticals: Cognitive support, methylation pathways, general wellness
Pharmaceuticals: Investigational and clinical nutrition
Food Fortification: Functional foods and beverages
Biochemical Research: Enzyme assays, metabolomics studies
5. Physical & Chemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Taste: Mildly sweet
Solubility: Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohols
Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; hygroscopic under high humidity
6. Storage & Handling
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
Keep container tightly closed to avoid moisture uptake
Avoid prolonged exposure to heat and sunlight
Follow GMP / HACCP for food and pharmaceutical handling
7. Packaging
Food / Pharma Grade: 25 kg fiber drum or multi-layer kraft bag with polyethylene liner
Industrial / Technical Grade: 25 kg woven bag, jumbo bag on request
China
