L-Leucine

L-Leucine, CAS 61-90-5, molecular formula C6H13NO2, molecular weight 131.17, is an essential amino acid and the first of the three branched-chain amino acids. It is the component present in the largest share of the conventional 2:1:1 leucine-isoleucine-valine blend, and it is a substrate for protein synthesis. Thovek supplies material manufactured by submerged fermentation of plant-derived carbohydrate followed by crystallisation, giving a non-animal, non-hydrolysate product suitable for vegan-labelled finished goods. The article is offered against USP, Ph. Eur./BP, JP and FCC. USP sets the assay at 98.5-101.5% on the dried basis, with a specific rotation of +14.9° to +17.3° measured at 40 mg/mL in 6 N hydrochloric acid, pH 5.5 to 7.0 in a 1 in 100 solution, loss on drying not more than 0.20% and residue on ignition not more than 0.40%; European and Japanese texts state the assay as 98.5-101.0% on the dried substance. Typical fermentation-grade material holds chloride and sulphate at not more than 0.02% each, ammonium at not more than 0.02%, iron and heavy metals (as Pb) at not more than 10 ppm and arsenic at not more than 1 ppm, with isoleucine, the closest chromatographic neighbour, controlled at not more than 0.8% and total related substances at not more than 1.0%. Endotoxin, residual solvent and microbiological data are provided where the application calls for it. Leucine is the least water-soluble of the three branched-chain amino acids, dissolving to roughly 22 g/L at 25 °C, so lecithin-treated instantised grades are available where cold-water dispersion in a shaker format matters. Standard applications are BCAA and EAA powders, sports and recovery beverages, protein bars and ready-to-mix sachets, clinical and enteral nutrition, cell-culture and fermentation media, and pet nutrition. Under thermal processing it undergoes Strecker degradation and so contributes to the aroma profile of cooked and fermented foods. Export packing is in 25 kg net bags with a food-grade inner liner, with certificate of analysis, safety data sheet and non-GMO, allergen, BSE/TSE-free, halal and kosher declarations issued with each consignment.