Valine, L-Valine, 72-18-4

Valine, L-Valine, 72-18-4

L-Valine – Product Profile

Chemical and Physical Properties

• Chemical Formula: C₅H₁₁NO₂

• Molecular Weight: 117.15 g/mol

• CAS Number: 72-18-4

• Appearance: White crystalline powder

• Solubility: Soluble in water (25 °C: 88.5 g/L; solubility increases with temperature). Insoluble in ethanol and ether.

• Melting Point: 315 °C (sublimation)

• Boiling Point: 298 °C (decomposition rather than true boiling)

• Density: 1.23 g/cm³ (25 °C)

Applications

• Sports Supplements: Promotes muscle growth and accelerates recovery after exercise.

• Dietary Supplements: Found in protein powders and amino acid blends.

• Medical Applications: Used in treatments for liver failure, central nervous system dysfunction, and metabolic disorders.

• Food Industry: Incorporated into sports nutrition products such as protein bars and fortified foods.

• Child Nutrition: Supports growth and immune system development in pediatric supplements.

• Stress Management: Included in formulations aimed at reducing stress and supporting psychological balance.

• Metabolism: Regulates nitrogen balance in the body; may influence insulin sensitivity and sleep regulation.

Other Names

• L-Valine

• Valine

• 2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid

• (S)-2-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acid

• L-alpha-Amino-beta-methylbutyric acid

• L(+)-alpha-Amino-isovaleric acid

• Butanoic acid, 2-amino-3-methyl-, (S)

Common Terms:

• “Muscle-building amino acid”

• “Athlete’s amino acid”

Structural and Biological Notes

• Belongs to the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) group, alongside leucine and isoleucine.

• Highly hydrophobic and aliphatic, important for protein structure.

• Serves as a starter amino acid for the synthesis of other essential compounds.

• Exists as enantiomers: L-Valine (nutritional form) and D-Valine (enantioform).

• Originally named after valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), from which it was first isolated.

Production

• Typically synthesized using ammonia and alpha-chloroisovaleric acid.

• Produced through protein hydrolysis processes to obtain pure crystalline L-Valine.

Summary

L-Valine (CAS 72-18-4) is an essential branched-chain amino acid critical for muscle metabolism, growth, recovery, and nitrogen balance. It is widely used in sports nutrition, dietary supplements, medical formulations, and functional foods. Its most common commercial form is the L-enantiomer, which is biologically active and incorporated into protein synthesis.

L-Valine – Sectoral Suitability Table

Key Points

• Strongest fit: Sports nutrition and supplements (especially BCAA formulations).

• Secondary fit: Dietary supplements and functional foods.

• Pharmaceutical use: Limited, requires strict purity and regulatory compliance.

• Cosmetics & animal feed: Minimal or experimental applications.