CAS: 541-15-1 · MW: 161.20 Da · Purity: ≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC · Format: 600 mg powder · Identity: ESI-MS confirmed · Optical rotation: [α]D²⁰ = -29.5° to -32.0°
L-Carnitine is a small molecule, not a peptide, that the body uses to move fatty acids into mitochondria, the parts of the cell that burn fuel for energy. That role makes it a standard reference compound in metabolism and bioenergetics research. This is a 600 mg vial of crystalline powder. It is one of the better-characterized compounds in the catalog, with a full chemical profile.
Structure & Identity
L-Carnitine is the biologically active L-form of carnitine, a quaternary ammonium compound with the formula C₇H₁₅NO₃ and a molecular weight of 161.20 Da. Its chirality matters: the L-form is the one cells use, and its optical rotation is a defining physical property. It is a naturally occurring metabolite rather than a synthetic peptide.
Research Background
L-Carnitine research is rooted in how cells process fat for energy.
- Fatty-acid transport. L-Carnitine shuttles long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for beta-oxidation [PMID: 29551309].
- Muscle bioenergetics. Its role in muscle energy metabolism is studied in performance research [PMID: 31906370].
- Metabolic functions. Reviews map its wider metabolic roles in human physiology [PMID: 21561431].
- Exercise recovery. It has been studied in recovery-after-exercise research [PMID: 29534031].
- Biomarker research. Acylcarnitine derivatives serve as metabolic biomarkers [PMID: 35710135].
These are research contexts, not approved uses, and the compound is intended for laboratory study.
Specifications
| Attribute |
Value |
| Chemical name |
L-Carnitine |
| Also Known As |
Levocarnitine |
| CAS number |
541-15-1 |
| Molecular formula |
C₇H₁₅NO₃ |
| Molecular weight |
161.20 g/mol |
| Optical rotation |
[α]D²⁰ = -29.5° to -32.0° |
| Purity |
≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC |
| Identity |
Confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry |
| Physical form |
Crystalline powder |
| Appearance |
White solid |
| Quantity |
600 mg per vial |
| Storage |
-20°C, protected from light |
| Solubility |
Freely water-soluble |
| Classification |
Research use only |
Storage & Handling
Keep the sealed vial frozen at -20°C and away from light until use. L-Carnitine is hygroscopic, meaning it draws in moisture, so let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation, and reseal it promptly. Once dissolved, store the solution cold and use it within a reasonable window for your research.
Storage and Handling Guide
Quality Assurance
L-Carnitine is produced to research-grade standards and verified by an independent lab before release. Purity is measured by reverse-phase HPLC and identity is confirmed by mass spectrometry, with testing carried out by third-party laboratories, including Janoshik Analytical and domestic US labs. A certificate of analysis is issued for each batch, so its figures match the exact vial you receive.
Quality & Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L-Carnitine a peptide?
No. L-Carnitine is a small quaternary-ammonium molecule, not a peptide. It is studied in metabolism and bioenergetics research and is supplied for research use only.
What does L-Carnitine do in research models?
Its central role is transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for energy production. Researchers use it to study fatty-acid oxidation and cellular energy metabolism.
Why does the “L” matter?
Carnitine has two mirror-image forms, and the L-form is the biologically active one that cells actually use. The optical rotation figure on the specifications reflects that L-form identity.
What is L-Carnitine’s molecular weight?
Its formula is C₇H₁₅NO₃, its molecular weight is 161.20 g/mol, and its CAS number is 541-15-1.
Is L-Carnitine FDA approved?
The material sold here is a research-use-only reference compound, not for human or veterinary use, diagnosis, or treatment.
Is this a powder or a liquid?
It is supplied as a crystalline powder in a vial, for reconstitution in a research setting.
How should L-Carnitine be stored?
Keep it frozen at -20°C, protected from light, and let it reach room temperature before opening since it draws in moisture.
How is this L-Carnitine verified?
It is tested to ≥99% purity by reverse-phase HPLC with mass-spec identity confirmation by an independent lab, and each batch has a published certificate of analysis.
References
- Mitochondrial β-oxidation of saturated fatty acids in humans. 2018. PMID: 29551309.
- Carnitine in Human Muscle Bioenergetics. 2019. PMID: 31906370.
- L-carnitine: metabolic functions and meaning in human life. 2011. PMID: 21561431.
