N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan, with the CAS number 87-32-1, is an acetylated derivative of DL-tryptophan, also known as Acetyl-DL-tryptophan or N-Acetyl-DL-3-indolylalanine. Its molecular formula is C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₃, and its molecular weight is 246.26 g/mol. As a racemic mixture of N-acetyl-L-tryptophan and N-acetyl-D-tryptophan, it combines the chemical properties of tryptophan with the stability of the acetylated amino group, making it widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, biochemistry research, and cosmetic industries.
Physically, N-Acetyl-DL-Tryptophan appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals. It has a melting point of approximately 203-207℃ (decomposition) and is soluble in water, hot ethanol, and dimethylformamide, slightly soluble in cold ethanol, and insoluble in non-polar solvents. It is optically inactive due to its racemic nature, with no specific rotation. It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal temperature and pressure when stored properly, ensuring convenient handling and storage.
Chemically, it contains an acetyl group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an indole ring—the key functional groups determining its properties. The acetyl group protects the amino group, enhancing its stability and reducing its reactivity compared to free DL-tryptophan, thus preventing oxidation and degradation. It can be hydrolyzed under acidic or alkaline conditions to release DL-tryptophan, and the indole ring endows it with mild antioxidant and biological activity.
Its core applications cover multiple fields. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an intermediate for synthesizing tryptophan-based drugs, peptide drugs, and nutritional supplements, and is also used as a raw material for preparing sleep-aid and mood-regulating products due to its connection to serotonin synthesis. In biochemistry research, it is used as a biochemical reagent for studying amino acid metabolism, enzyme activity, and peptide synthesis.
In the food industry, it acts as a nutritional additive and flavor enhancer, improving the nutritional value and taste of food products such as health beverages and functional foods. In cosmetics, it is added to skin care products to nourish the skin, resist oxidation, and improve skin texture. 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 stability, it is an important raw material in multiple high-value fields.
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