L

L-Phenylalanine

IUPAC: (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid

C9H11NO2 Organic Compounds CAS 63-91-2
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC9H11NO2
CAS Number63-91-2
Molecular Weight165.19
Melting Point541 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point563 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceL-phenylalanine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Slightly bitter taste. pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.4 to 6. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As(2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; phenylalanine; 63-91-2; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; 3-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-Phenylalanine; (L)-Phenylalanine; 3-Phenylalanine; beta-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is L-Phenylalanine?

L-phenylalanine is the L-enantiomer of phenylalanine. It has a role as a micronutrient, a nutraceutical, an EC 3.1.3.1 (alkaline phosphatase) inhibitor, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a phenylalanine, an erythrose 4-phosphate/phosphoenolpyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-phenylalaninium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-phenylalaninate. It is an enantiomer of a D-phenylalanine. It is a tautomer of a L-phenylalanine zwitterion.

Formula & Notation

C9H11NO2

IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; phenylalanine; 63-91-2; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; 3-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-Phenylalanine; (L)-Phenylalanine; 3-Phenylalanine; beta-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: L-phenylalanine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Slightly bitter taste. pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.4 to 6. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C9H11NO2. Molecular weight: 165.19 g/mol. Boiling point: 563 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992). Melting point: 541 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Solubility: 10 to 50 mg/mL at 77 °F (NTP, 1992). Vapor pressure: 0.00000005 [mmHg]. LogP: -1.5.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point541 °F (decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Boiling Point563 °F at 760 mmHg (sublimes) (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight165.19
Solubility10 to 50 mg/mL at 77 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceL-phenylalanine is an odorless white crystalline powder. Slightly bitter taste. pH (1% aqueous solution) 5.4 to 6. (NTP, 1992)

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-Phenylalanine
Formula C9H11NO2
CAS Number 63-91-2
Molecular Weight 165.19
Synonyms (2S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; phenylalanine; 63-91-2; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropanoic acid; 3-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-Phenylalanine; (L)-Phenylalanine; 3-Phenylalanine; beta-Phenyl-L-alanine; (S)-2-Amino-3-phenylpropionic acid

Frequently Asked Questions

L-phenylalanine is the L-enantiomer of phenylalanine. It has a role as a micronutrient, a nutraceutical, an EC 3.1.3.1 (alkaline phosphatase) inhibitor, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, a human xenobiotic metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a phenylalanine, an erythrose 4-phosphate/phosphoenolpyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-phenylalaninium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-phenylalaninate. It is an enantiomer of a D-phenylalanine. It is a tautomer of a L-phenylalanine 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.