L

L-Leucine

IUPAC: (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid

C6H13NO2 Organic Compounds CAS 61-90-5
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC6H13NO2
CAS Number61-90-5
Molecular Weight131.17
Melting Point293 °C
Boiling PointSublimes at 145-148 °C. Decomposes at 293-295 °C (rapid heating, sealed tube)
Density1.293 g/cu cm at 18 °C
Solubility21500 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceWhite solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Also Known As(2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; leucine; 61-90-5; (S)-Leucine; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; Leucin; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid; (S)-(+)-Leucine; L-alpha-Aminoisocaproic acid; LEUCINE, L-
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is L-Leucine?

L-leucine is the L-enantiomer of leucine. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a leucine, a pyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-leucinium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-leucinate. It is an enantiomer of a D-leucine. It is a tautomer of a L-leucine zwitterion.

Formula & Notation

C6H13NO2

IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; leucine; 61-90-5; (S)-Leucine; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; Leucin; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid; (S)-(+)-Leucine; L-alpha-Aminoisocaproic acid; LEUCINE, L-

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: White solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]. Molecular formula: C6H13NO2. Molecular weight: 131.17 g/mol. Boiling point: Sublimes at 145-148 °C. Decomposes at 293-295 °C (rapid heating, sealed tube). Melting point: 293 °C. Density: 1.293 g/cu cm at 18 °C. Solubility: 21500 mg/L (at 25 °C). Vapor pressure: 0.00000001 [mmHg]. LogP: -1.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point293 °C
Boiling PointSublimes at 145-148 °C. Decomposes at 293-295 °C (rapid heating, sealed tube)
Density1.293 g/cu cm at 18 °C
Molecular Weight131.17
Solubility21500 mg/L (at 25 °C)
AppearanceWhite solid; [Merck Index] White powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]

Uses & Applications

Used as an industrial feedstock, solvent, pharmaceutical intermediate, flavoring agent, or chemical building block.

Safety Information

Flammable or irritant. Many organic compounds are flammable liquids or vapours. Keep away from ignition sources. Consult SDS for specific hazard data.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term L-Leucine
Formula C6H13NO2
CAS Number 61-90-5
Molecular Weight 131.17
Synonyms (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; leucine; 61-90-5; (S)-Leucine; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid; Leucin; (S)-2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid; (S)-(+)-Leucine; L-alpha-Aminoisocaproic acid; LEUCINE, L-

Frequently Asked Questions

L-leucine is the L-enantiomer of leucine. It has a role as a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a human metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a leucine, a pyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-leucinium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-leucinate. It is an enantiomer of a D-leucine. It is a tautomer of a L-leucine zwitterion.

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.