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Send EmailLevocarnitine, L‑Carnitine Base, Levo Carnitine, R-Carnitine, Vitamin BT, 541-15-1
L-CARNITINE BASE (LEVOCARNITINE)
PRODUCT IDENTIFIER INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Product Name | L-Carnitine Base (Levocarnitine) |
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | (R)-3-Hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate |
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 208-768-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C7H15NO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 g/mol |
SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | (R)-3-Hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate |
| Synonyms | L-Carnitine Base, Levocarnitine, Carnitine Base, Levo Carnitine, (R)-Carnitine, Vitamin BT |
| Trade Names | Carnitor, Carniking, Levocarnit |
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 208-768-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C7H15NO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Amino acid-like compound (quaternary ammonium compound) |
| Pure L-Carnitine Content | 100% (pure base; contains no salt or ester) |
| Physical State (20°C) | Solid (white hygroscopic crystalline powder) |
| Odor | Characteristic, sharp acidic |
| Taste | Very acidic, unpleasant |
SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White hygroscopic crystalline powder | Visual |
| Odor | Characteristic, sharp acidic | Olfactometric |
| Taste | Very acidic, unpleasant | Sensory |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 g/mol | Calculated |
| Melting Point | 197 – 212°C (with decomposition) | DSC |
| Specific Optical Rotation ([α]25D) | -29° to -32° (c=1, H2O) | Polarimetry |
| pH (1% solution, 25°C) | ~3.0 (very acidic) | pH Meter |
| Solubility in Water (25°C) | Very freely soluble (>200 g/L) | Gravimetric |
| Solubility in Ethanol | Slightly soluble | General Method |
| Solubility in Acetone | Insoluble | General Method |
| Hygroscopicity | Very high; rapidly absorbs moisture from air, cakes | Visual |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; strictly protect from moisture | |
| Flash Point | Non-flammable | Not applicable |
SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Chemical Character | Zwitterionic structure (inner salt); both acidic and basic character |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; highly hygroscopic |
| Decomposition Products (Heating) | Above 200°C: CO, CO2, NOx, trimethylamine |
| Incompatible Materials | Strong oxidizing agents, strong acids |
| Reaction with Acids | Forms corresponding salts with acids (HCl, tartrate, fumarate salts) |
| Biological Role | Reference molecule for fatty acid transport and mitochondrial oxidation |
| Hazardous Polymerization | Does not occur |
SECTION 4: L-CARNITINE FORMS COMPARISON
| Property | L-Carnitine Base | L-Carnitine Tartrate | Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | Propionyl-L-Carnitine HCl | L-Carnitine Fumarate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 | 36687-82-8 | 3040-38-8 | 119793-66-7 | 90471-79-7 |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 | 472.49 | 203.24 | 253.72 | Variable |
| Pure L-Carnitine Content | 100% | ~67% | ~80% | ~74% | ~58-62% |
| Bioavailability | ~14-18% | ~15-20% | ~20% | ~15% | ~25-30% |
| Hygroscopicity | Very High | Low | Medium | Low | Very Low |
| pH (1% solution) | ~3.0 | 3.0-4.0 | 2.0-3.5 | 4.5-6.0 | 3.0-4.0 |
| Gastric Tolerance | Low (very acidic) | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Very Good |
| Tabletability | Difficult | Excellent | Good | Good | Good |
| Cost | Lowest | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| Clinical Approval | Yes (deficiency) | No (supplement) | Yes (neuropathy) | Yes (PAD) | Limited |
| Primary Use | Deficiency, dialysis | Sports, performance | Brain, cognition | Cardiovascular | Energy, heart |
SECTION 5: PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Transport of long-chain fatty acids across inner mitochondrial membrane |
| Mechanism of Action | Essential cofactor for carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) enzyme system |
| Mitochondrial Oxidation | Required for β-oxidation of fatty acids; supports energy production |
| Endogenous Form | Identical to naturally occurring carnitine in the body |
| Absorption | Absorbed from small intestine via active transport (OCTN2) and passive diffusion |
| Bioavailability | ~14-18% (oral); bioavailability decreases with increasing dose |
| Distribution | Primarily stored in skeletal muscle and cardiac muscle |
| Elimination | Excreted unchanged via kidneys; glomerular filtration + tubular reabsorption |
| Half-Life | 2-15 hours (dose-dependent) |
SECTION 6: PRIMARY APPLICATION AREAS
| Sector / Application | Use | Typical Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical - Primary Carnitine Deficiency | Genetic disorders, valproate therapy | 50-100 mg/kg/day (3-4 divided doses) |
| Clinical - Hemodialysis | Prevention of dialysis-related carnitine loss (FDA approved) | 1-2 g IV post-dialysis or 2-3 g/day oral |
| Clinical - Heart Failure (NYHA II-III) | Adjunctive therapy | 1-2 g/day oral |
| Cardiovascular | Post-myocardial infarction, angina | 1-2 g/day |
| Male Infertility | Improvement of sperm motility and quality | 1 g/day (500 mg × 2) |
| Metabolic Syndrome / Type 2 Diabetes | Improvement of insulin sensitivity | 1-2 g/day |
| Sports Nutrition | Fat burning, recovery (less preferred than tartrate) | 1-2 g 60-90 min before exercise |
| General Energy / Fatigue | Energy support | 500-1000 mg/day |
SECTION 7: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (PHARMACEUTICAL/FOOD GRADE)
| Parameter | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White crystalline powder | Visual |
| Odor | Characteristic, sharp acidic | Olfactometric |
| Purity (C7H15NO3, Dry Basis) | 98.0 – 102.0% | HPLC / Titrimetric |
| Specific Optical Rotation ([α]25D) | -29° to -32° (c=1, H2O) | Polarimetry |
| pH (1% solution, 25°C) | 2.5 – 3.5 | pH Meter |
| Loss on Drying (105°C, 2 hours) | ≤ 1.0% | Gravimetric |
| Ash Content | ≤ 0.2% | Gravimetric (600°C) |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤ 2 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 3 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤ 1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Chloride (Cl-) | ≤ 0.01% | Argentometric |
| Sulfate (SO4 2-) | ≤ 0.01% | Turbidimetric |
| Related Substances (Total) | ≤ 1.0% | HPLC |
| Total Microbial Count | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| Yeast and Mold | ≤ 100 CFU/g | USP <61> |
| E. coli | Negative in 10g | USP <62> |
| Salmonella spp. | Negative in 25g | USP <62> |
SECTION 8: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Acute Oral Toxicity (LD50, Rat) | > 5,000 mg/kg (low toxicity) |
| Acute Dermal Toxicity (LD50, Rabbit) | > 2,000 mg/kg |
| Skin Irritation | Mild irritant (acidic nature) |
| Eye Irritation | Irritant (acidic nature) |
| Respiratory Irritation | Inhalation of dust may cause mechanical irritation |
| Carcinogenicity | Not classified (IARC, NTP) |
| Mutagenicity | Negative in in vitro tests |
| Reproductive Toxicity | No known adverse effects |
| Side Effects | High dose (>3 g/day): diarrhea, nausea, body odor (fishy odor) |
| GRAS Status | Recognized as GRAS by FDA |
SECTION 9: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING
GHS Classification (compliant with 1272/2008/EC):
| Hazard Class | Category | H-Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Skin Irritation | Category 2 | H315 |
| Eye Irritation | Category 2 | H319 |
| Specific Target Organ Toxicity (STOT - SE) | Category 3 | H335 |
Signal Word: WARNING
Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)
Hazard Statements (H-Codes):
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| H315 | Causes skin irritation |
| H319 | Causes serious eye irritation |
| H335 | May cause respiratory irritation |
Precautionary Statements (P-Codes):
| Code | Statement |
|---|---|
| P261 | Avoid breathing dust |
| P280 | Wear protective gloves/eye protection |
| P302+P352 | IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water and soap |
| P305+P351+P338 | IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes |
SECTION 10: FIRST AID MEASURES
| Exposure Route | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of water and soap. Seek medical attention if irritation persists. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. Seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Drink plenty of water. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell. |
SECTION 11: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Non-flammable |
| Hazards During Fire | CO, CO2, NOx, trimethylamine |
| Suitable Extinguishing Media | Water mist, CO2, dry chemical powder, foam |
| Special Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing |
SECTION 12: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool (15-25°C), dry, well-ventilated area; strictly protect from moisture |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed, airtight, moisture-proof containers |
| Keep Away From | Moisture (very hygroscopic), direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents |
| Shelf Life | 24 months (unopened original packaging under appropriate storage conditions) |
| Stability Note | Very hygroscopic; rapidly absorbs moisture from air and cakes; use immediately after opening |
SECTION 13: PACKAGING OPTIONS
| Packaging Type | Quantity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum foil pouch (moisture-proof) | 1 kg | Laminated aluminum |
| Aluminum foil pouch (moisture-proof) | 5 kg | Laminated aluminum |
| Kraft bag with PE inner liner (moisture-proof) | 25 kg | Kraft paper + PE |
| Fiber drum (moisture-proof) | 25-50 kg | Fiberboard + PE |
SECTION 14: TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not regulated (not hazardous) |
| Hazard Class | Not applicable |
| Packing Group | Not applicable |
| ADR/RID | Not regulated |
| IMDG Code | Not regulated |
| IATA (Air) | Not regulated |
| Marine Pollutant | No |
| Transport Temperature | Ambient; strictly protect from moisture |
SECTION 15: REGULATORY STATUS
| Region / Authority | Status |
|---|---|
| USA (FDA) | Prescription drug (carnitine deficiency); GRAS as OTC supplement |
| European Union | Permitted in food supplements and infant formula |
| USP-NF | Official monograph (USP Levocarnitine) |
| European Pharmacopoeia | Official monograph (Ph. Eur. Levocarnitine) |
| WHO Essential Medicines List | Essential medicine (carnitine deficiency) |
| Turkey | Licensed pharmaceutical active ingredient; food supplement |
| Halal / Kosher / Vegan | Available |
SECTION 16: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS
| Type | Name |
|---|---|
| Chemical Names | (R)-3-Hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate; (R)-Carnitine |
| Common Names | L-Carnitine Base, Levocarnitine, L-Carnitine, Carnitine |
| Historical/Trade Names | Vitamin BT, Carnitor, Carniking, Levocarnit |
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| EC Number | 208-768-0 |
SECTION 17: SUMMARY TABLE
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product | L-Carnitine Base (Levocarnitine) |
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C7H15NO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 g/mol |
| Appearance | White hygroscopic crystalline powder |
| pH (1% solution) | ~3.0 |
| Solubility in Water | >200 g/L |
| Primary Function | Fatty acid transport, mitochondrial energy, carnitine deficiency treatment |
| Shelf Life | 24 months |
| GHS Signal Word | Warning |
SECTION 18: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
-
Very Hygroscopic: Rapidly absorbs moisture from air and cakes. Store in airtight containers; use immediately after opening.
-
Very Acidic (pH ~3.0): Taste is unpleasant; should be consumed mixed with fruit juice or sports drink.
-
Gastric Sensitivity: In patients with gastric sensitivity, salt forms (tartrate, fumarate) should be preferred over the base form.
-
Tableting Difficulty: Difficult to tablet due to high hygroscopicity; flowability issues occur.
-
High Dose Side Effects: Doses >3 g/day may cause diarrhea, nausea, and rarely fishy body odor.
BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:
-
Moisture Control: Maintain relative humidity below 30% in storage area; store with desiccants such as silica gel.
-
Consumption: Consume powder form mixed with fruit juice or sports drink; taking on an empty stomach increases absorption.
-
Encapsulation: Due to hygroscopic nature of powder, encapsulation process should be performed in controlled humidity environment.
-
Alternative Selection: Carnitine Tartrate or Fumarate is more suitable for those wanting tablet/capsule form or those with gastric sensitivity.
-
Storage: Store opened packaging in airtight containers in a dry environment and consume within a short time.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is presented in good faith based on our current knowledge and experience; however, since all usage conditions are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Users are obligated to test the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, disposal, and regulatory compliance information, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
