L

L-Tryptophan

IUPAC: (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid

C11H12N2O2 Organic Compounds CAS 73-22-3
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationC11H12N2O2
CAS Number73-22-3
Molecular Weight204.22
Melting Point554 to 558 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceL-tryptophan is a white powder with a flat taste. An essential amino acid; occurs in isomeric forms. (NTP, 1992)
Also Known As(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid; tryptophan; 73-22-3; L-Tryptophane; Tryptophane; (S)-Tryptophan; trofan; tryptacin; Ardeytropin; Pacitron
CategoryOrganic Compounds

What is L-Tryptophan?

L-tryptophan is the L-enantiomer of tryptophan. It has a role as a micronutrient, an antidepressant, a nutraceutical, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a tryptophan, an erythrose 4-phosphate/phosphoenolpyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-tryptophanium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-tryptophanate. It is an enantiomer of a D-tryptophan. It is a tautomer of a L-tryptophan zwitterion.

Formula & Notation

C11H12N2O2

IUPAC Name: (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid

Other Names / Synonyms: (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid; tryptophan; 73-22-3; L-Tryptophane; Tryptophane; (S)-Tryptophan; trofan; tryptacin; Ardeytropin; Pacitron

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: L-tryptophan is a white powder with a flat taste. An essential amino acid; occurs in isomeric forms. (NTP, 1992). Molecular formula: C11H12N2O2. Molecular weight: 204.22 g/mol. Melting point: 554 to 558 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992). Solubility: 1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992). LogP: -1.1.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point554 to 558 °F (Decomposes) (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight204.22
Solubility1 to 5 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
AppearanceL-tryptophan is a white powder with a flat taste. An essential amino acid; occurs in isomeric forms. (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-Tryptophan
Formula C11H12N2O2
CAS Number 73-22-3
Molecular Weight 204.22
Synonyms (2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid; tryptophan; 73-22-3; L-Tryptophane; Tryptophane; (S)-Tryptophan; trofan; tryptacin; Ardeytropin; Pacitron

Frequently Asked Questions

L-tryptophan is the L-enantiomer of tryptophan. It has a role as a micronutrient, an antidepressant, a nutraceutical, a mouse metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite and a human metabolite. It is a L-alpha-amino acid, a tryptophan, an erythrose 4-phosphate/phosphoenolpyruvate family amino acid and a proteinogenic amino acid. It is a conjugate base of a L-tryptophanium. It is a conjugate acid of a L-tryptophanate. It is an enantiomer of a D-tryptophan. It is a tautomer of a L-tryptophan 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.