L-Tyrosine, with the CAS number 60-18-4, is a naturally occurring essential amino acid, also known as L-β-4-hydroxyphenylalanine. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₁NO₃, and its molecular weight is 181.19 g/mol. As one of the 20 standard amino acids involved in protein synthesis, it plays a crucial role in human and animal physiology, serving as a precursor for neurotransmitters, hormones, and melanin, making it widely applied in pharmaceuticals, food supplements, cosmetics, and biochemistry research.
Physically, L-Tyrosine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals. It has a melting point of approximately 342-344℃ (decomposition) and is slightly soluble in cold water, more soluble in hot water and dilute acids, and slightly soluble in ethanol, while insoluble in non-polar solvents. It is optically active, with a specific rotation [α]²⁰/D of -11.5° to -13.5° (in 1 mol/L hydrochloric acid, c=2). It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal temperature and pressure when stored properly, facilitating easy handling and storage.
Chemically, it contains an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a phenolic hydroxyl group on the benzene ring—key functional groups determining its properties. The phenolic hydroxyl group endows it with mild antioxidant activity, enabling it to scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. It is stable under neutral and weakly acidic conditions but may undergo oxidation under strong alkali or high-temperature environments, and can participate in peptide bond formation to form proteins and peptides.
Its core applications cover multiple fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a raw material for preparing amino acid supplements, drugs for neurological disorders, and hormone replacement therapies, as it is a precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroxine. In food supplements, it is added to health products to support cognitive function, energy metabolism, and muscle recovery.
In cosmetics, it is incorporated into skin care products to promote melanin synthesis, improve skin tone, and nourish the skin. In biochemistry research, it is used as a biochemical reagent for studying amino acid metabolism, protein synthesis, and enzyme activity. Safety-wise, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), non-toxic and non-irritating under normal handling. It should be stored in a sealed, cool, dry, and dark environment, away from oxidants, moisture, and high temperatures to prevent oxidation and degradation. With its essential physiological functions and versatile applications, it is an important raw material in multiple high-value industries.
english
français
Deutsch
Italiano
Русский
Español
português
Nederlandse
ελληνικά
日本語
한국
polski
فارسی
বাংলা
ไทย
tiếng Việt
العربية
हिन्दी
Türkçe
indonesia
