L-Tryptophan

Molecular formula

Description

White to off-white crystalline powder; Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂; Molecular Weight: 204.23; CAS No.: 73-22-3; Essential amino acid, precursor to 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) and melatonin, neutral aromatic amino acid containing an indole group.

Main Applications

L-Tryptophan is an essential aromatic amino acid that cannot be synthesised by the body and must therefore be obtained from the diet; it serves as the biosynthetic precursor to serotonin and melatonin, which underpin its use in sports nutrition products designed to support sleep and mood regulation. Its single largest application, accounting for over 70% of total demand, lies in animal feed, while it is also utilized across food and beverage fortification and pharmaceutical formulations.