Glycyl-L-Tyrosine, with the CAS number 658-79-7, is a naturally occurring dipeptide composed of glycine (the simplest amino acid) and L-tyrosine linked by a peptide bond, also known as Gly-Tyr. Its molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₄N₂O₄, and its molecular weight is 238.24 g/mol. This bioactive dipeptide inherits the physiological properties of its constituent amino acids, featuring excellent biocompatibility, good water solubility, and unique biochemical activity, making it widely applied in pharmaceuticals, biochemistry research, food, and cosmetic industries.
Physically, Glycyl-L-Tyrosine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals. It has a melting point of approximately 220-225℃ (decomposition) and is soluble in water and hot ethanol, slightly soluble in cold ethanol, and insoluble in non-polar solvents. It is optically active, with a specific rotation [α]²⁰/D of -12.0° to -16.0° (in water, c=2). It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal temperature and pressure when stored properly, ensuring convenient handling and storage in various application scenarios.
Chemically, it contains peptide bonds, amino groups, carboxyl groups, and a phenolic hydroxyl group—the key functional groups that determine its properties. The peptide bond allows for controlled hydrolysis under specific acidic or alkaline conditions, releasing glycine and L-tyrosine. The phenolic hydroxyl group endows it with mild antioxidant activity, while its overall structure enables it to interact with biological systems, participating in various biochemical reactions and physiological processes.
Its core applications cover multiple fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as a key intermediate for synthesizing peptide drugs, nutritional supplements, and antioxidants, supporting the development of products for regulating physiological functions and protecting against oxidative damage. In biochemistry research, it is widely used as a biochemical reagent for studying peptide metabolism, enzyme activity, and protein synthesis, and as an additive in cell culture media to promote cell growth.
In the food industry, it acts as a nutritional additive to enhance the nutritional value of food products and a mild flavor improver. In cosmetics, it is added to skin care products to nourish the skin, improve skin elasticity, and resist oxidative aging. 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 at 2-8℃, away from strong oxidants, moisture, and high temperatures to prevent hydrolysis and degradation. With its versatile applications and excellent biocompatibility, it is an important raw material in multiple high-value fields.