Carnitine
Synonyms
(R)-Carnitine;
1-Propanaminium, 3-carboxy-2-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, inner salt, (R)-;
(-)-L-Carnitine;
L-Carnitine;
(R)-(3-Carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide;
Levocarnitine;
Category
Zwitterionic Surfactant
> Carnitine Type
>> Carnitine and its Salts
Chemical Numbering System
CAS: 541-15-1
EINECS: 208-768-0
Molecular Formula & Molecular Weight
Molecular Formula: C7H15NO3; C7H15N1O3
Molecular Weight: 161.20
Structure
Properties
Appearance (1), white crystal.
Solubility soluble in water.
Hygroscopicity hygroscopic.
Stability stable.
Risk Solid form: flammable material; irritation, irritation to skin, eye, respiratory system. Harmful products of combustion are CO, CO2, nitrogen oxides and so on. Contact with strong oxidants, can cause to burn.
GHS label: 
Animal Toxicity
Table 1 Animal toxicity values
|
mouse subcutaneous LD50 |
9000mg/kg[1] |
|
mouse intraperitoneal LD50 |
750mg/kg[1] |
Ecology may be hazardous to environment. Water body should be given special attention.
Biodegradability biodegradable.
Characteristics excellent antistatic, dispersing, emulsifying, wetting, permeating abilities.
Synthesis
Quality Standards & Test Methods
1, Physical and chemical indexes
|
Item |
Physical and chemical indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Actives, %, ≥ |
95.0 |
Test Methods
(1), Actives
GB/T 13173 Surface active agents -- Detergents -- Testing methods
2, Hazardous substances indexes
|
Item |
Hazardous substances indexes |
|
Solid |
|
|
Heavy metals (as Pb), mg/kg, ≤ |
20 |
|
As, mg/kg, ≤ |
3 |
Test Methods
(1), Heavy metals (as Pb)
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30799 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of heavy metals
(2), As
Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition)
GB/T 30797 The test method of food detergents -- Determination of total arsenic
3, Product standards
(1), Chinese standards
(1a), GB 1903.13 Food safety national standard -- Food nutrition enhancer -- Levocarnitine (L-Carnitine)
(1b), GB 34461 Feed additive -- L-carnitine
(1c), NY/T 1028 Feed additive levocarnitine
4, Further explanation
(a), On physical and chemical indexes: firstly, shall be indicated carbon atom distribution; secondly, shall be indicated average molecular weight.
(b), Used in cosmetics, should be test for harmful substances or furtherly test for microorganisms, according to local regulations and standards.
Major Uses
1, Typical applications
Use as antistatic agent.
2, Personal care products
Conditioning agent, antistatic agent, viscosity controlling agent, foam boosting agent in personal care products.
3, Food
Use as food nutrition enhancer.
4, Feed
Use as feed additive.
Manufacturers
References
[1]: ChemIDplus. 541-15-1, Levocarnitine
Update: 20140917(1); 20190624(2);