Arginine, L-Arginine, 74-79-3

Arginine, L-Arginine, 74-79-3

Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: L-Arginine

• Molecular Formula: C₆H₁₄N₄O₂

• Molecular Weight: 174.20 g/mol

• CAS Number: 74-79-3

• EC Number: 200-811-1

• IUPAC Name: (S)-2-amino-5-guanidinopentanoic acid

Physical Properties

• Appearance: White crystalline solid or crystalline powder

• Melting Point: ~244 °C (decomposes upon melting)

• Density: ~1.4 g/cm³

• Solubility:

  • Water: 182 mg/mL at 25 °C (alkaline solution)

  • Ethanol: Slightly soluble

• pH: Strongly alkaline in aqueous solution

• Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; hygroscopic, keep tightly sealed

• Shelf Life: Typically 2 years when stored properly

Production Methods

• Chemical Synthesis: Reaction of L-Ornithine with cyanamide in the presence of barium hydroxide

• Biotechnological Production: Precipitation from gelatin hydrolysates

Functional Properties

• Protein Synthesis: Encoded amino acid, incorporated into proteins

• Urea Cycle: Facilitates conversion of ammonia into urea, detoxification role

• Nitric Oxide (NO) Precursor: Supports vasodilation, blood flow, and oxygen transport

• Hormonal Role: Stimulates pituitary gland to release growth hormone

• Fertility: Plays a role in spermatogenesis and sperm protein structure

Commercial Formats

• Pharmaceutical Grade: 25 kg fiber drum or HDPE bag, GMP/ISO certified

• Supplement Grade: 100–500 g consumer packaging, capsules, tablets, or powder jars

• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight

Applications

• Pharmaceutical/Medical: Hyperammonemia treatment, pituitary function testing, liver regeneration, wound healing, erectile dysfunction support

• Sports Nutrition: Pre-workout formulations, endurance enhancement, recovery acceleration, combined with BCAA or creatine

• Food/Nutraceuticals: Functional foods, protein bars, sports drinks, immune-support supplements

• Veterinary: Amino acid source in semi-moist pet food

• Research/Biotechnology: Cell culture medium additive, nitric oxide pathway studies, protein synthesis research

• Industrial/Chemical: Diaminocarboxylic acid derivative synthesis, specialized chemical research

1. Alternative Names of L-Arginine

L-Arginine (CAS 74-79-3) is known by several synonyms in scientific and commercial documentation:

• Arginine

• L-(+)-Arginine

• L-Arginine

• L-Arginine HCl (hydrochloride salt, CAS 1119-34-2)

• L-Arjinin (Turkish usage)

• (S)-2-Amino-5-Guanidinopentanoic Acid

• (S)-2-Amino-5-Guanidinovaleric Acid

• L-Arginine Monohydrochloride

• CAS number reference: 74-79-3

Note: The base form and the HCl salt have different CAS numbers. Suppliers sometimes label “L-Arginine” but actually sell the HCl salt, so verifying the CAS number in COA/TDS is critical.

2. Sectoral Suitability Table

A comparison of where L-Arginine (base form) and L-Arginine HCl (salt form) are most appropriate:

3. Detailed Sectoral Applications of L-Arginine

• Pharmaceutical/Medical:

  • Detoxification of ammonia via the urea cycle

  • Cardiovascular support through nitric oxide synthesis

  • Erectile dysfunction treatment (improved blood flow)

  • Pituitary stimulation for growth hormone release

  • Wound healing and collagen synthesis

  • Liver regeneration support

• Sports Nutrition:

  • Pre-workout formulations for vasodilation and “pump” effect

  • Enhanced endurance and reduced fatigue

  • Faster recovery and muscle repair

  • Often combined with BCAA or creatine

• Food/Nutraceuticals:

  • Functional foods and beverages

  • Protein bars and sports drinks

  • Immune-support nutraceuticals

• Veterinary:

  • Amino acid source in semi-moist pet food formulations

• Research/Biotechnology:

  • Cell culture medium additive

  • Nitric oxide pathway biomarker

  • Protein synthesis studies

• Industrial/Chemical:

  • Used as a diamino-carboxylic acid derivative in synthesis

  • Specialized chemical research applications