N-Acetyl-L-Tryptophan, with the CAS number 1218-34-4, is an acetylated derivative of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan, also known as Acetyl-L-tryptophan or N-Acetyl-L-3-indolylalanine. Its molecular formula is C₁₃H₁₄N₂O₃, and its molecular weight is 246.26 g/mol. As the L-enantiomer form, it retains the physiological activity of L-tryptophan while the acetyl group protects its amino group, enhancing stability and reducing oxidation, making it widely used in pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, food supplements, and cosmetic industries.
Physically, N-Acetyl-L-Tryptophan appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder or needle-like crystals. It has a melting point of approximately 207-211℃ (decomposition) and is soluble in water, hot ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide, slightly soluble in cold ethanol, and insoluble in non-polar solvents. It is optically active, with a specific rotation [α]²⁰/D of -27.0° to -31.0° (in ethanol, c=1). It has low hygroscopicity and remains stable under normal temperature and pressure when stored properly, facilitating easy handling and storage.
Chemically, it contains an acetyl group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an indole ring—key functional groups that define its properties. The acetyl group protects the amino group from oxidation and degradation, significantly improving its stability compared to free L-tryptophan. It can be hydrolyzed under acidic or alkaline conditions to release L-tryptophan, which is essential for human protein synthesis and the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and melatonin. The indole ring endows it with mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Its core applications focus on pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, and nutritional supplements. In the pharmaceutical industry, it serves as an intermediate for synthesizing peptide drugs, L-tryptophan-based pharmaceuticals, and sleep-aid, mood-regulating products, as it contributes to serotonin and melatonin synthesis. In biochemistry research, it is used as a biochemical reagent for studying amino acid metabolism, enzyme activity, and peptide synthesis, and as an additive in cell culture media.
In the food industry, it acts as a nutritional supplement, added to health products and functional foods to replenish L-tryptophan. In cosmetics, it is added to skin care products to nourish the skin, resist oxidation, and improve skin barrier function. 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 excellent stability and physiological activity, it is an indispensable raw material in multiple high-value fields.
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