Product Description
L-Leucine 61-90-5
AI Product Description
*The following content is generated by AI and is for reference only.
L-Leucine, often designated as one of the essential branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), is a vital organic compound crucial for human physiology and industrial applications. Its molecular formula is C₆H₁₃NO₂, reflecting its structure as an alpha-amino acid with a hydrophobic isobutyl side chain. The substance is widely recognized by its Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number, 61-90-5, which serves as its unique identifier in global chemical databases. Naturally occurring in L-form, this white crystalline powder is odorless and has a slightly bitter taste. It is soluble in water and dilute acids but insoluble in most organic solvents, properties that dictate its handling and formulation methods across various sectors.
Biologically, L-Leucine plays an indispensable role in protein synthesis and muscle metabolism. As an essential amino acid, the human body cannot synthesize it; therefore, it must be obtained through dietary sources such as meat, dairy, eggs, soy, and legumes. Its primary physiological function involves stimulating muscle protein synthesis via the mTOR signaling pathway, making it a cornerstone supplement for athletes, bodybuilders, and individuals recovering from injury or surgery. Furthermore, it aids in regulating blood glucose levels and supports nitrogen balance within the body. Beyond sports nutrition, L-Leucine is extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as a raw material for synthesizing specific drugs and therapeutic agents. In the food sector, it serves as a nutritional additive to enhance the protein content of fortified foods, beverages, and infant formulas, ensuring adequate intake for growing populations. Additionally, it finds application in animal feed production to optimize growth rates and metabolic efficiency in livestock. Industrial uses also extend to research laboratories where it acts as a standard reagent for biochemical assays and chromatography. Due to its safety profile and efficacy, L-Leucine remains a high-demand commodity globally, bridging the gap between clinical health needs and commercial manufacturing processes while supporting overall metabolic wellness.