Description
L-Carnitine (CAS 541-15-1) is a quaternary ammonium compound with the molecular formula C₇H₁₅NO₃ and the systematic name (3R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butanoate. This listing is for research-grade L-Carnitine supplied as a 5g crystalline powder at ≥99% purity by HPLC. For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, veterinary use, food, or therapeutic use. Not a drug, supplement, or cosmetic. Sold exclusively to qualified research professionals and institutions.
About L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is a small-molecule zwitterion with a molecular weight of 161.20 g/mol. Researchers have characterized it in the biochemical literature as the L-(–) enantiomer of carnitine, biosynthesized in mammals from the amino acids lysine and methionine [1]. The compound is described as the biologically active stereoisomer; its D-enantiomer and racemic mixtures are typically distinguished in analytical work. L-Carnitine is freely soluble in water and is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder.
Research Background
L-Carnitine has been referenced extensively in the published in vitro and animal-model literature on mitochondrial biology and the carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) system. Investigators have characterized its role in the CPT-I/CPT-II shuttle in isolated mitochondrial preparations and in cell-culture systems used to study fatty acid β-oxidation pathways. Comparative studies in rodent models have examined endogenous carnitine biosynthesis, tissue distribution, and the activity of carnitine acyltransferases. The compound is also commonly employed as a reference standard in analytical chemistry method development for the quantification of carnitine and acylcarnitine species in biological matrices. These references describe findings in non-human models, isolated systems, and analytical contexts, and do not constitute claims about effects in humans.










