L-Carnitine L-Tartrate CAS 36687-82-8 is a stable salt form of L-carnitine combined with L-tartaric acid , chemically defined as Bis[(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium] L-tartrate. Functioning primarily as a highly stable, non-hygroscopic source of L-carnitine in solid dosage forms, this crystalline powder is utilized to enhance fat metabolism in nutritional premixes and serves as a key nutrient in the formulation of sports recovery capsules and functional beverages. We provide professional access to this material with competitive factory pricing and the ability to meet customized specifications for various manufacturing requirements. Our commitment to technical transparency ensures that every shipment is accompanied by comprehensive MSDS, TDS, COA documentation to support your quality assurance protocols, and we maintain capacity for consistent bulk supply to facilitate large-scale industrial operations.
L-Tartrate CAS 36687-82-8
- CAS: 36687-82-8
- Synonyms: L-Carnitine tartrate, L-Carnitine salt with L-tartaric acid (2:1), Bis(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium tartrate, Vitamin BT tartrate, Levocarnitine tartrate
- Einecs: 459-550-9
- Molecular Formula: C18H36N2O12
- Grade: Food/Pharma Grade
- Package: 25kg/bag (Plastic woven bag with PE liner) or 500kg/1000kg Jumbo Bag.
Product Description
What is L-Carnitine L-Tartrate?
Simply put, this compound is a salt of L-Carnitine and Tartaric Acid.
Standard L-Carnitine base is famous for being incredibly hygroscopic—meaning it pulls moisture from the air rapidly. For a manufacturer, this is a nightmare. It causes clumping in machinery and reduces the shelf-life of the final product.
L-Carnitine L-Tartrate (LCLT) solves this. By combining carnitine with tartaric acid, the resulting powder is stable, pleasant-tasting (slightly acidic/citrusy rather than “fishy”), and absorbs much faster into the body compared to other forms.
Physicochemical Properties
For the R&D team and Quality Control managers, here are the essential specifications you need to know:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | L-Carnitine L-Tartrate |
| CAS Number | 36687-82-8 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Odor | Characteristic, slight acidic odor (no fishy smell) |
| Solubility | Freely soluble in water; slightly soluble in alcohol |
| pH Value | 3.0 – 4.5 (in aqueous solution) |
| Molecular Formula | C18H36N2O12 |
| Molecular Weight | ~472.49 g/mol |
| Melting Point | 169°C – 175°C |
| Carnitine Content | Typically ~68% L-Carnitine / ~32% Tartaric Acid |
Key Application Fields
Why is this specific CAS number requested so frequently? It comes down to versatility.
1. Sports Nutrition & Recovery (The Primary Market) LCLT is the gold standard for muscle recovery. Research suggests it helps reduce muscle tissue damage and soreness (DOMS) after exercise. Because it enters the bloodstream quickly, it is perfect for post-workout powders and capsules.
2. Weight Management Supplements Like all carnitines, it plays a vital role in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria to be burned for energy. LCLT is often the preferred form for fat burners because it is easy to capsule without anti-caking agents dominating the formula.
3. Functional Beverages Because L-Carnitine L-Tartrate has a pleasant, slightly citrus taste and dissolves easily in water, it is ideal for energy drinks and functional waters where flavor profile is everything.
4. Hair Care and Cosmetics Surprisingly, this ingredient is gaining traction in the personal care industry. It is used in hair follicle treatments to promote energy supply to the hair matrix.
Why Sourcing the Right Quality Matters
When you buy raw materials, you aren’t just buying a chemical; you are buying “run-ability” on your machines.
Low-quality LCLT can still suffer from poor flowability or high moisture content, leading to production downtime. We focus on supplying a crystalline structure that flows freely, ensuring your encapsulation or bottling process runs smooth and fast.
Safety and Precautionary Measures
While L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is generally considered safe and is widely used in food supplements, it is a chemical substance and should be handled with professional care in a manufacturing environment.
- Inhalation: High concentrations of dust may cause respiratory irritation. Always use local exhaust ventilation.
- Skin/Eye Contact: Can cause mild irritation. Operators should wear safety glasses and protective gloves.
- Ingestion: While it is a food supplement, ingestion of pure raw powder in large quantities should be avoided.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Dust mask (N95 or equivalent), lab coat, and gloves are recommended during weighing and mixing.
For related tartaric-acid materials and salts, see DL-Tartaric Acid and Potassium Sodium Tartrate.
Recommended Storage Conditions
To maintain the potency and flowability of the powder, proper storage is non-negotiable.
- Moisture Control: Even though LCLT is less hygroscopic than the base form, it is still sensitive to humidity. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use.
- Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C (77°F). Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Packaging: It should be stored in original sealed drums (usually 25kg fiber drums) with a double polyethylene inner liner to prevent moisture ingress.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is L-Tartrate CAS 36687-82-8?
A: L-Tartrate CAS 36687-82-8 is L-Carnitine L-Tartrate, a stable salt formed from L-carnitine and tartaric acid. It has the molecular formula C18H36N2O12, molecular weight about 472.49 g/mol, and EINECS 459-550-9, and is supplied as a white to off-white crystalline powder. -
Q:
Why is L-Carnitine L-Tartrate preferred over L-Carnitine base in solid dosage forms?
A: L-Carnitine base is hygroscopic and can absorb moisture, causing clumping and poor flow in capsules or tablets. L-Carnitine L-Tartrate is more stable, less hygroscopic, and better suited to solid-dose manufacturing, which is why it is widely used in tablets and capsules. -
Q:
What are the key specifications for L-Carnitine L-Tartrate food/pharma grade?
A: Typical specifications include a white to off-white crystalline powder, pH of 3.0-4.5 in aqueous solution, melting point around 169-175 C, and roughly 68% L-carnitine with 32% tartaric acid. It is freely soluble in water and only slightly soluble in alcohol. -
Q:
How is L-Carnitine L-Tartrate used in sports nutrition?
A: It is used as a carnitine source in pre-workout, recovery, and performance-nutrition products to support fatty-acid transport into mitochondria. Its good flow and reduced hygroscopicity make it especially practical in powders, capsules, and tablets. -
Q:
Is L-Carnitine L-Tartrate suitable for liquid formulations?
A: It can be used in liquid systems because it is freely soluble in water, but its acidic pH and formulation profile mean it is most often selected for solid dosage forms. For some high-strength or pH-sensitive liquids, formulators may evaluate L-carnitine base or another salt instead.
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