L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan (CAS 73-22-3, C11H12N2O2, molecular weight 204.23) is one of the amino acids the human body cannot synthesise and must take in from the diet. It carries an indole ring, which places it in heterocyclic chemistry rather than with the simple oxygen-function amino acids — a detail that matters for tariff classification as much as for chemistry. Metabolically it is the precursor of serotonin, and downstream of that of melatonin, and it also feeds the kynurenine pathway that generates niacin (vitamin B3). Those established nutrient functions are why it appears in evening and rest-oriented supplement formats and in complete amino acid profiles. Bulk L-Tryptophan is made by microbial fermentation. Producers use wild-type or engineered strains of Corynebacterium glutamicum, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis or B. amyloliquefaciens, with the enzyme tryptophan synthase completing the condensation of serine and indole. The material is therefore non-animal and vegan-compatible. Pharmacopoeial grade assays 98.5-101.5% of C11H12N2O2 on the dried basis, with specific rotation between -29.4 and -32.8 degrees (10 mg/mL in water), loss on drying not more than 0.30% after 3 hours at 105 C, residue on ignition not more than 0.10%, chloride not more than 0.05%, sulfate not more than 0.03%, iron not more than 0.003% and heavy metals not more than 15 ppm as lead. Tryptophan is one of the amino acids buyers scrutinise most closely on impurity profile, and qualification packages routinely ask for HPLC related-substances data, residual solvent results and full strain and process disclosure alongside the assay. Every Thovek lot ships with a batch-specific certificate of analysis covering those points, plus safety data sheet, allergen, GMO and TSE/BSE statements and halal or kosher documentation where required. Water solubility of roughly 11.4 g/L at 25 C is workable for powder sticks and reconstituted drinks, though not for high-concentration clear liquids. Export classification from India is 29339900.