We unleash your business potential by maximize the business innovation.
Send EmailThreonine, L-Threonine, 72-19-5
L-Threonine / (2S,3R)-2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid
CAS Number: 72-19-5
EC Number: 200-774-1
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name (IUPAC) | (2S,3R)-2-Amino-3-hydroxybutanoic acid |
| Other Names | L-Threonine, L-α-Amino-β-hydroxybutyric acid, L-2-Amino-3-hydroxybutyric acid |
| CAS Number | 72-19-5 |
| EC Number (EINECS) | 200-774-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₉NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 119.12 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Amino acid (essential, polar, aliphatic) |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Slightly sweet |
L-Threonine is one of the nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by animals and must be obtained through diet. It was first discovered by Rose in 1925. Only the L-enantiomer is biologically active; the D-form is inert in mammalian systems. L-Threonine appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, is odorless, and has a slightly sweet taste. It has high water solubility and is insoluble in organic solvents. It is primarily produced through microbial fermentation. As a feed additive, it is a critical amino acid in swine and poultry nutrition.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₄H₉NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 119.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Taste | Slightly sweet |
| Density | ~1.07 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | ~245°C (decomposes); 265-270°C |
| Water Solubility (20°C) | ~59.6 g/L |
| Water Solubility (25°C) | ~90 g/L |
| pH (100 g/L, 20°C) | 5.0-6.5 |
| Specific Optical Rotation ([α]²⁰D) | -26.0 to -29.0° |
| Bulk Density | ~370 kg/m³ |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
L-Threonine is a white to off-white crystalline powder with high water solubility (90 g/L at 25°C). Its melting point is 265-270°C, at which it decomposes. The specific optical rotation ranges from -26.0 to -29.0°, confirming the L-configuration. The bulk density is approximately 370 kg/m³, which is used for storage and transport volume calculations. It exhibits slightly acidic properties (pH 5.0-6.5).
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Purity (L-Threonine) | ≥ 98.5% |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Specific Optical Rotation | -26.0 to -29.0° |
| pH (aqueous solution) | 5.0-6.5 |
| Loss on Drying | ≤ 1.0% |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤ 0.5% |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 10 mg/kg |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Chloride (Cl) | ≤ 0.02% |
| Sulfate (SO₄) | ≤ 0.03% |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 0.001% |
| Standard | GB 7300.101-2019 |
| Packaging | 25 kg, 750 kg, 1000 kg bags |
L-Threonine is classified as a feed additive according to the Chinese standard GB 7300.101-2019. Purity must be at least 98.5%. Loss on drying should not exceed 1.0%, and residue on ignition should be below 0.5%. Heavy metal limits are strict: Lead ≤ 10 ppm, Arsenic ≤ 2 ppm. These specifications ensure safety and efficacy for use as a feed additive. FAMI-QS certification confirms that this product meets quality standards for the feed industry.
| Function | Description |
|---|---|
| Amino Acid Balance | Regulates amino acid balance in feed, approaching the ideal protein profile. |
| Growth Promotion | Promotes growth, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency in animals. |
| Feed Cost Reduction | Enables low-protein feed production, conserves protein sources, and reduces feed costs. |
| Meat Quality | Improves meat quality and lean meat ratio. |
| Immune Support | Enhances immune function and disease resistance in animals. |
| Nitrogen Excretion | Reduces nitrogen content in feces and urine, lowering environmental impact. |
| Ammonia Reduction | Reduces ammonia concentration and emission rate in animal barns. |
| Intestinal Barrier | Plays a unique and irreplaceable role in intestinal mucus (mucin) synthesis. |
L-Threonine is a critical feed additive in animal nutrition. It is the second limiting amino acid for swine (after lysine) and the third limiting amino acid for poultry. It regulates amino acid balance in feed, promotes growth, and improves feed conversion efficiency. Additionally, it enables low-protein feed production, reducing feed costs and environmental nitrogen excretion. Its unique role in intestinal mucus synthesis supports intestinal barrier function and the immune system.
| Animal Species | Importance |
|---|---|
| Swine (Especially Piglets and Growing Pigs) | Second limiting amino acid in swine feed (after lysine). |
| Poultry (Broilers, Layers, Turkeys) | Third limiting amino acid in poultry feed. |
| Aquaculture (Shrimp, Eel) | Improves feed efficiency and growth. |
| Cattle | Supports milk and meat production. |
L-Threonine is the second limiting amino acid in swine feed after lysine. In poultry feed, it is the third limiting amino acid. In aquaculture, it improves feed efficiency and growth. In cattle feeding, it supports milk and meat production. Therefore, L-Threonine is a universal feed additive for all animal species.
| Combination | Effect |
|---|---|
| L-Lysine | Significantly improves feed efficiency and provides more comprehensive nutrition to animals. |
| Glycine (Rice) | Used together with glycine in rice-based feeds. |
| Glycine and Valine (Wheat Flour) | Used together with glycine and valine in wheat flour-based feeds. |
| Glycine and Methionine (Barley, Oats) | Used together with glycine and methionine in barley and oat-based feeds. |
| Glycine and Tryptophan (Corn) | Used together with glycine and tryptophan in corn-based feeds. |
L-Threonine works synergistically with other amino acids. Combination with L-Lysine significantly improves feed efficiency and provides more comprehensive nutrition to animals. Different cereal types require different amino acid combinations: rice with glycine, wheat flour with glycine and valine, barley and oats with glycine and methionine, and corn with glycine and tryptophan.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Dietary Supplements | Used in the fortification of cereals, baked goods, and dairy products. |
| Amino Acid Infusions | A component of amino acid infusion solutions for parenteral nutrition. |
| Infant Formula | Used as an essential amino acid source in infant formulas. |
| Sports Nutrition | Used in sports supplements to support protein synthesis. |
L-Threonine is used in human nutrition for the fortification of cereals, baked goods, and dairy products. It is an important component of amino acid infusion solutions for parenteral nutrition. It is found in infant formulas as an essential amino acid source. In sports nutrition, it is used in supplements that support protein synthesis.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug Formulations | Used to enhance the efficacy and stability of drugs. |
| Immune Support | Used in therapeutic formulations to support immune function. |
| Monobactam Antibiotic Production | Used in the production of highly effective, low-allergenicity antibiotics. |
| Combined Amino Acid Preparations | A component of combined amino acid preparations. |
| Fatty Liver Prevention | Has a preventive effect against fatty liver. |
| Peptic Ulcers | Used as an adjuvant in the treatment of peptic ulcers. |
| Anemia and Cardiovascular Diseases | Used in the treatment of anemia, angina, aortitis, and heart failure. |
L-Threonine is used in pharmaceutical applications as an efficacy and stability enhancer in drug formulations. It is a critical intermediate in the production of monobactam-class highly effective, low-allergenicity antibiotics. It has a preventive effect against fatty liver and is used as an adjuvant in the treatment of peptic ulcers. It is also used in the treatment of anemia, angina, aortitis, and heart failure.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Cell Culture Media | A basic component for the growth of various cell lines. |
| Biopharmaceutical Production | Used in cell culture media for recombinant protein production. |
| Protein Engineering | Used to enhance the stability and functionality of recombinant proteins. |
L-Threonine is a basic media component in biotechnology and cell culture applications. It is used in cell culture media for recombinant protein production and is used in protein engineering to enhance the stability and functionality of recombinant proteins.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Flavor Enhancer | When heated with glucose, it produces caramel and chocolate aromas. |
| Nutritional Fortification | Used to increase the nutritional value of foods such as cereals, bread, corn, and oats. |
| Functional Foods | Used in foods that support balanced nutrition for health-conscious consumers. |
L-Threonine is used in the food industry as a flavor enhancer; when heated with glucose, it produces caramel and chocolate aromas. It is used to increase the nutritional value of foods such as cereals, bread, corn, and oats. In functional foods, it supports balanced nutrition for health-conscious consumers.
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisturizer | Used in skin care products to improve skin hydration and appearance. |
| Skin Care | Used in formulations that improve skin texture. |
L-Threonine is used in the cosmetic industry as a moisturizer to improve skin hydration and appearance. It is also found in formulations that improve skin texture.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Microbial Fermentation | Produced from glucose, sucrose, or other carbon sources using microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum. This is the most common industrial method. |
| Enzymatic Synthesis | L-Threonine is synthesized from precursors using specific enzymes. |
| Chemical Synthesis | Racemic threonine is synthesized, and then the L-form is separated by enzymatic or chemical resolution. |
L-Threonine is produced industrially primarily through microbial fermentation using microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum. Enzymatic and chemical synthesis methods are also available, but fermentation is the most common and economical method. Recombinant DNA technology and metabolic engineering are used to improve production efficiency.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Essential Amino Acid | Cannot be synthesized by higher animals; must be obtained through diet. |
| Biological Activity | Only the L-enantiomer is biologically active. |
| Absorption | Oral bioavailability in swine is 80%. |
| Intestinal Barrier | Plays a unique role in intestinal mucus synthesis. |
| Protein Synthesis | Essential for protein synthesis and muscle development. |
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by higher animals. Only the L-enantiomer is biologically active. Oral bioavailability in swine is 80%. Its unique role in intestinal mucus synthesis makes it indispensable for intestinal barrier function. It is essential for protein synthesis and muscle development.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| GHS Classification | Not a hazardous substance |
| Oral LD50 (Rat) | > 2,000 mg/kg |
| Inhalation LC50 (Rat, 4 hours) | > 5.15 mg/L |
| Skin Irritation | Non-irritant |
| Eye Irritation | Non-irritant |
| Skin Sensitization | Negative |
| Mutagenicity (Ames test) | Negative |
| Chromosomal Aberration | Negative |
| Aquatic Toxicity (Daphnia) | EC50 > 1,000 mg/L |
| Algal Toxicity | ErC50 > 1,000 mg/L |
| Bioaccumulation | Not likely |
| PBT/vPvB | Does not contain |
L-Threonine is a safe amino acid with low toxicity. The oral LD50 in rats is > 2,000 mg/kg. It does not cause skin or eye irritation, and skin sensitization is negative. Ames test and chromosomal aberration tests have shown it is not mutagenic. It shows low toxicity to aquatic organisms (EC50 > 1,000 mg/L). It has no bioaccumulation potential and is not a PBT/vPvB substance.
| Exposure Route | Action |
|---|---|
| Inhalation | Move person to fresh air. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Skin Contact | Wash with plenty of soap and water. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Eye Contact | Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Remove contact lenses if present. If irritation persists, seek medical attention. |
| Ingestion | Rinse mouth with water. Drink plenty of water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if large amounts are swallowed. |
| Note to Physicians | No specific antidote. Symptomatic treatment is administered. |
Standard first aid measures apply for L-Threonine exposure. In case of inhalation, move to fresh air. In case of skin contact, wash with soap and water. In case of eye contact, rinse with water for at least 15 minutes. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting; drink plenty of water. There is no specific antidote; symptomatic treatment is administered.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Fire Hazard | Combustible dust; dust-air mixtures may be explosive at high concentrations. |
| Extinguishing Media | Water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, foam. |
| Special Hazards | Thermal decomposition produces toxic and irritant fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide). |
| Protective Equipment | Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), full protective clothing. |
L-Threonine is a combustible dust. In case of fire, use water spray, CO₂, dry chemical powder, or foam for extinguishing. Thermal decomposition produces toxic and irritant fumes (nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide). Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and full protective clothing.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Personal Protection | Wear appropriate PPE (dust mask, goggles, protective clothing, gloves). |
| Ventilation | Increase ventilation; evacuate area if necessary. |
| Containment | Stop source if safe; contain powder to prevent spread. |
| Cleaning Methods | Vacuum or sweep carefully to avoid dust generation; use wet methods to suppress dust. |
| Environmental Precautions | Prevent entry into drains, sewers, and water bodies. |
| Waste Disposal | Dispose of according to local, state, and federal regulations. |
In case of spill, wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Contain the powder to prevent spread and clean using vacuum or wet methods to suppress dust. Prevent environmental release and dispose of waste according to local regulations.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; room temperature (2-30°C). |
| Container Requirements | Tightly closed containers. |
| Materials to Avoid | Strong oxidizing agents. |
| Shelf Life | 2 years (under proper storage). |
| Hygroscopicity | Slightly hygroscopic. |
| Handling Notes | Avoid dust generation; avoid contact with skin and eyes. |
| Packaging Options | 25 kg bags, 750 kg bags, 1000 kg bags. |
L-Threonine should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas at room temperature (2-30°C). It is slightly hygroscopic and should be protected from moisture. Containers should be kept tightly closed. It should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents. Shelf life under proper storage conditions is 2 years.
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| UN Number | Not applicable (not a dangerous good). |
| Hazard Class | Not a dangerous good. |
| Packing Group | Not applicable. |
| Proper Shipping Name | L-Threonine. |
| Marine Pollutant | No. |
| EU | REACH registered (No. 01-2120109031-79-XXXX). |
| Turkey (KKDİK) | Mandatory compliance; requires registration. |
| USA (TSCA) | Listed; FDA GRAS. |
| China | GB 7300.101-2019 feed additive standard. |
| FAMI-QS | Certified (feed additive). |
| HS Code | 2922509020. |
L-Threonine is not classified as a dangerous good. It is REACH registered in the EU (No. 01-2120109031-79-XXXX). In Turkey, KKDİK compliance is mandatory. It is considered GRAS by the FDA. It complies with the Chinese GB 7300.101-2019 feed additive standard. It is FAMI-QS certified (as a feed additive). The HS code is 2922509020.
SUMMARY:
L-Threonine (C₄H₉NO₃, CAS 72-19-5) is one of the nine essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by animals. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, is odorless, has a slightly sweet taste, and is soluble in water (90 g/L at 25°C). The molecular weight is 119.12 g/mol, and the melting point is 265-270°C. Only the L-enantiomer is biologically active. Its most important application is as a feed additive, where it is the second limiting amino acid in swine feed (after lysine) and the third limiting amino acid in poultry feed. It regulates amino acid balance in feed, promotes growth, improves feed efficiency, supports immune function, and reduces environmental nitrogen excretion. It is also used in human nutrition as a dietary supplement, in amino acid infusions, pharmaceutical applications, cell culture, and cosmetic products. It should be stored in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas at room temperature (2-30°C). Shelf life is 2 years. Feed grade purity is ≥ 98.5% according to GB 7300.101-2019.
Key Properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Chemical Formula | C₄H₉NO₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 119.12 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 72-19-5 |
| Melting Point | 265-270°C |
| Water Solubility (25°C) | 90 g/L |
| Specific Optical Rotation | -26.0 to -29.0° |
| Primary Use | Feed additive (swine, poultry, aquaculture) |
| Feed Grade Purity | ≥ 98.5% |
Major Application Areas:
| Industry | Applications |
|---|---|
| Feed Additive | Amino acid balance and growth promotion in swine, poultry, and aquaculture feeds. |
| Human Nutrition | Dietary supplements, amino acid infusions, infant formula, sports nutrition. |
| Pharmaceutical | Drug formulations, monobactam antibiotic production, immune support. |
| Cell Culture | Biopharmaceutical production, protein engineering. |
| Food | Flavor enhancer, nutritional fortification, functional foods. |
| Cosmetics | Moisturizing skin care products. |
Key Safety Points:
LOW TOXICITY: FDA GRAS; LD50 > 2,000 mg/kg
NON-IRRITANT: No skin or eye irritation
NON-MUTAGENIC: Ames test negative
STORAGE: 2-30°C, cool, dry, tightly closed
PPE RECOMMENDED: Dust mask (P1 type), safety goggles, nitrile gloves
INCOMPATIBLE: Strong oxidizing agents
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
L-Threonine is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized by animals. It is a critical limiting amino acid in swine and poultry nutrition.
As a feed additive, it promotes growth, improves feed efficiency, reduces nitrogen excretion, and supports immune function.
Its unique role in intestinal mucus synthesis makes it indispensable for intestinal barrier function.
Only the L-enantiomer is biologically active; the D-form is inert.
Feed grade purity is ≥ 98.5% (GB 7300.101-2019 standard).
L-Threonine is a safe amino acid with low toxicity, no irritation, and no mutagenicity.
It is slightly hygroscopic and should be protected from moisture.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific application and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with L-threonine.