DL-Tryptophan

Synonym(s):(±)-α-Amino-3-indolepropionic acid;(±)-2-Amino-3-(3-indolyl)propionic acid;DL-3β-Indolylalanine

CAS NO.：54-12-6
Empirical Formula: C11H12N2O2
Molecular Weight: 204.23
MDL number: MFCD00064339
EINECS: 200-194-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-07-27 17:00:41

What is DL-Tryptophan?

Chemical properties

White crystals. Slightly soluble in water; stable in alkaline solution; decomposed by strong acids.

The Uses of DL-Tryptophan

DL-Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin. It is a dietary supplement for use as an antidepressant, anxiolytic, and sleep aid. DL-tryptophan also can be used as feed nutrition enhancer, antioxidants.

What are the applications of Application

DL-Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor of serotonin and melatonin

Definition

ChEBI: An alpha-amino acid that is alanine bearing an indol-3-yl substituent at position 3.

General Description

Tryptophan is the precursor for 5-hydroxy-tryptamin and an essential α-amino acid. DL-Tryptophan exists as a zwitterion during crystallization.

Biochem/physiol Actions

DL-Tryptophan binding to bovine serum albumin is employed for its affinity based chromatographic purification. Supplementation of tryptophan in diets of rat induce bladder tumor.

Safety Profile

Experimental reproductive effects. Questionable carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic data. When heated to decomposition it emits toxic fumes of NOx.

Properties of DL-Tryptophan

Melting point:	289-290 °C (dec.)(lit.)
Boiling point:	342.72°C (rough estimate)
alpha	[α]D20 -1～1°(c=1, dil. HCl)
Density	1.1754 (rough estimate)
refractive index	1.5200 (estimate)
storage temp.	Keep in dark place,Inert atmosphere,Room temperature
solubility	methanol: water (7:3): soluble
pka	2.30±0.10(Predicted)
form	Powder
color	White to light beige or light yellow
Odor	Odorless
Water Solubility	10 g/L (20 ºC)
BRN	86196
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids.
CAS DataBase Reference	54-12-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Tryptophane(54-12-6)
EPA Substance Registry System	Tryptophan (54-12-6)

Safety information for DL-Tryptophan

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing. P332+P313:IF SKIN irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. P337+P313:IF eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention.