Beta-Alanine

β-Alanine (CAS 107-95-9), or 3-aminopropanoic acid, is the only beta-amino acid that occurs naturally. Its amino group sits on the β-carbon rather than the α-carbon, which means the molecule has no stereocentre: unlike the proteinogenic amino acids there is no D- or L-form and no specific rotation to specify on a certificate. The molecular formula is C3H7NO2 with a molecular weight of 89.09 g/mol. Thovek supplies it as white bipyramidal crystals or a white crystalline powder that decomposes at about 207 °C. β-Alanine is the rate-limiting precursor in the synthesis of carnosine (β-alanyl-L-histidine), a dipeptide that accounts for roughly 10–20 % of the intracellular buffering capacity of type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres; this is the basis of its use in pre-workout and endurance product formats. For formulators the defining physical property is solubility: at 54.5 g per 100 mL of water it is far more soluble than the branched-chain amino acids and dissolves readily in drink mixes, effervescent tablets and shots without a dispersing aid. The powder is mildly hygroscopic, so blending rooms should be humidity-controlled and part-used bags resealed promptly. The standard grade is approximately 95 % through 60 mesh (250 µm), with granular and coated sustained-release grades supplied where a slower dissolution profile is wanted. Material is food and nutraceutical grade against the manufacturer's specification, with assay of not less than 99.0 % on the dried basis. Each lot is released with a certificate of analysis covering identity by infrared spectroscopy, assay, appearance, pH of solution, loss on drying, sulphated ash, microbiological limits and heavy metals, with lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury reported individually. Non-GMO, vegan, allergen and BSE/TSE statements plus kosher and halal certificates are issued on request. Export packing is 25 kg net in double food-grade LDPE liners inside fibre drums, palletised and shrink-wrapped, with desiccant available for humid sea routes.