What Is L-Phenylalanine ()? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications
Last updated: 2026-11-14 · CAS 63-91-2 · Food/Feed Grade
- Quick facts
- Name
- L-Phenylalanine ()
- CAS number
- 63-91-2
- Grade
- Food/Feed Grade
- Certifications
- ISO 9001 · ISO 22000 · HACCP · FAMI-QS · Kosher · Halal · GMP · SGS
- Application areas
- 4
- Documentation
- COA · TDS · SDS
Overview
L-Phenylalanine (abbreviated as L-Phe), also known as L-α-Amino-β-phenylpropionic acid or L-β-Phenylalanine, is an aromatic essential amino acid containing a benzene ring structure, and is one of the 20 basic proteinogenic amino acids. Its molecular formula is C9H11NO2, molecular weight is 165.19, CAS number is 63–91–2, and EINECS number is 200–568–1. L-Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize on its own and must be obtained through food or supplements. L-Phenylalanine appears as colorless to white plate-like crystals or white crystalline powder, with a slight special odor and a bitter taste. It melts and decomposes at about 283°C. It is slightly soluble in water (1–5 g/100 mL at 25°C), insoluble in ethanol, methanol and diethyl ether, and soluble in dilute inorganic acids and alkaline solutions. It is stable under heat, light and in air, but unstable under alkaline conditions, and colors when heated with glucose. As an aromatic amino acid, the side chain of L-Phenylalanine contains a benzene ring, giving it hydrophobic and aromatic characteristics, playing an important role in protein folding and molecular recognition. L-Phenylalanine is a precursor to several important neurotransmitters (including dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine), and is one of the few essential amino acids that can directly affect mood, attention and cognitive function. L-Phenylalanine is widely used in the food industry, pharmaceutical industry, sports nutrition supplements, feed additives and biochemical research fields. In the food industry, it is the core synthetic raw material for the low-calorie sweetener aspartame; in the pharmaceutical field, it is an important component of amino acid infusions and complex amino acid formulations, used in neurological disease treatment, pain management and nutritional support; in sports nutrition, it helps enhance athletic performance and mental focus.
Appearance: Colorless to white plate-like crystals or white crystalline powder, odorless, bitter taste.
Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight: C9H11NO2, molecular weight 165.19.
Applications
Pharmaceutical Industry Applications
L-Phenylalanine has important applications in the pharmaceutical field as a key component of various drug formulations and amino acid infusions. The…
Sports Nutrition and Health Products Applications
L-Phenylalanine applications in sports nutrition and health products are growing rapidly, and it is an important component of sports nutrition…
Cell Culture and Biochemical Research Applications
L-Phenylalanine is an indispensable additive in cell culture and an important component of cell culture media. L-Phenylalanine can be used in…
Feed Additives Applications
L-Phenylalanine is used as a nutritional fortifier and attractant in feed additives. Demand for aromatic amino acids (including L-Phenylalanine…
Specification
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color | White | Place appropriate amount of sample in a clean, dry white porcelain plate, observe under natural light | ||
| State | Crystalline powder or plate-like crystals | Same as above | ||
| Odor | Odorless, slight special odor, bitter taste | Olfactory | ||
| Physicochemical Specifications (based on USP, EP, FCC standards): | Parameter | USP Standard | EP Standard | FCC Standard |
| Test Method | ||||
| L-Phenylalanine Content (as C9H11NO2 on dried basis), % | 98.5–101.5 | 98.5–101.0 | 98.5–101.5 | Perchloric acid non-aqueous titration / HPLC |
| Specific Optical Rotation [α]20D | -33.0°~-35.0° (c=2, H2O) | — | -33.0°~-35.0° | Polarimeter |
| Loss on Drying, % | ≤0.20 | ≤0.20 | ≤0.20 | Loss on drying method |
| Residue on Ignition, % | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | Ignition method |
| pH Value (10% aqueous solution) | 5.4–6.0 | 5.4–6.0 | 5.4–6.0 | pH meter |
| Chlorides (Cl), % | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | Silver nitrate precipitation turbidimetry |
| Sulfates (SO4), % | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | ≤0.02 | Barium chloride precipitation turbidimetry |
| Iron (Fe), % | ≤0.001 | ≤0.001 | ≤0.001 | Thiocyanate colorimetry |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb), mg/kg | ≤10 | ≤10 | ≤10 | Thioacetamide method / ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As), mg/kg | ≤1 | ≤1 | ≤1 | Atomic fluorescence spectrometry |
| Other Amino Acids | Not detected | Not detected | — | Thin layer chromatography / HPLC |
| Total Plate Count, CFU/g | ≤1000 | ≤1000 | ≤1000 | Microbial testing |
| Coliforms, MPN/g | ≤0.3 | ≤0.3 | — | Microbial testing |
| Salmonella | Not detected | Not detected | — | Microbial testing |
| Yeast and Mold, CFU/g | ≤100 | ≤100 | ≤100 | Microbial testing |
| 3.2 Product Grade Classification |
Packaging & Storage
- Packing: 25kg net fiber drum with double PE liner.
- Sample: 100-500g free sample available.
- Storage: Keep in tightly closed packaging, cool, dry, well-ventilated. Protect from light and moisture.
- Shelf Life: 24 months from production date.
Quality & Certifications
Every batch tested by in-house QC lab. COA, TDS, SDS provided with each shipment.
Regulatory & Compliance
EU
Complies with EU regulations and FAMI-QS standards.
USA
Meets FDA and AAFCO requirements.
China
Registered under Chinese MOA regulations.
International
Kosher, Halal, ISO certified. FTA forms available.
Safety & Handling
- Hazard Class: Generally non-hazardous. Refer to SDS for details.
- Storage: Room temperature, dry, sealed. Avoid strong oxidizers.
- Transport: Non-dangerous goods. Standard sea/air freight.
- SDS: Available on request at sales@xadditive.cn.
Frequently asked questions
MOQ?
MOQ is 1kg for trial, 25kg for regular orders. Free samples available.
Shelf life?
24 months from production date when stored properly.
Certifications?
ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, FAMI-QS, Kosher, Halal, COA, SDS, TDS.
How to get quote?
Email sales@xadditive.cn with your requirement. Reply within 30 minutes.
Request a quote & COA
Ask for the current specification sheet, a COA sample and a bulk quotation — reply within 30 minutes on working days.