L-Theanine CAS 3081-61-6 is a white crystalline powder that serves as a unique non-protein amino acid for specialized nutritional applications. Within the functional beverage industry, this N-ethyl-L-glutamine acts as a primary additive for flavor modulation and physiological standardization in tea-based formulations. This L-glutamic acid gamma-ethylamide is synthesized or extracted to maintain high chiral purity, ensuring that the theanine maintains its specific molecular interaction within biological systems, while 5-N-ethyl-L-glutamine is widely utilized as a core industrial ingredient in the manufacturing of stress-management supplements. We provide bulk supply with competitive factory pricing for global distribution, ensuring all batches are accompanied by comprehensive MSDS, TDS, COA and offer customized specifications regarding mesh size and purity levels to meet strict regional regulatory requirements.
L-Theanine CAS 3081-61-6
- CAS: 3081-61-6
- Synonyms: N-Ethyl-L-glutamine, Suntheanine, 5-N-Ethyl-L-glutamine, L-Glutamic acid gamma-ethylamide, Theanine
- Einecs: 221-379-0
- Molecular Formula: C7H14N2O3
- Grade: Food Grade / Pharmaceutical Grade
- Package: 25kg/drum or customized bulk packaging
Product Description
L-Theanine CAS 3081-61-6 is a water-soluble, non-protein amino acid commonly obtained from tea leaves. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder for dietary supplement, functional beverage, and pharmaceutical intermediate applications.
Technical Data (Physicochemical Properties)
| Property Category | Parameter | Specification (Standard Export Grade) |
| Physical State | Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 98.0% – 102.0% | |
| Specific Rotation | +7.5° to +8.5° | |
| Purity Analysis | Loss on Drying | <= 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | <= 0.2% | |
| Chloride (Cl) | <= 0.02% | |
| Contaminants | Heavy Metals (as Pb) | <= 10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | <= 1 ppm | |
| Lead (Pb) | <= 1 ppm | |
| Cadmium (Cd) | <= 1 ppm | |
| Solubility | Water Solubility | Soluble (approx. 50 g/L at 25°C) |
| Solvent Solubility | Insoluble in ethanol and ether |
Applications
- Dietary Supplements: Used as a standalone active ingredient or in combination with caffeine for focus-related and cognitive support capsules.
- Functional Beverages: Incorporated into “relaxation drinks” and specialty teas to enhance the “umami” flavor profile and provide nutritional value.
- Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Utilized in research and development for its potential neuroprotective properties and as a building block in specialty chemical synthesis.
- Pet Food Additives: Increasingly used in high-end pet nutrition formulations for calming and behavioral health applications.
Storage & Safety
- Storage: Store in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Keep the container tightly sealed to protect the material from light and moisture. Recommended storage temperature is below 25°C.
- Safety Operations (PPE): Wear a standard dust mask, safety glasses, and protective gloves during bulk handling to avoid inhalation and prolonged skin contact.
- Handling: Maintain good industrial hygiene. Use local exhaust ventilation if the material is handled in a way that generates airborne dust.
Quality Assurance
Our manufacturing facility employs advanced fermentation and synthesis technologies to ensure an enantiomerically pure L-form. Each production lot is subject to High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for assay verification and polarimetry for optical rotation testing. We maintain strict compliance with GMP-aligned quality control standards, providing a full traceability chain for every batch to meet the rigorous safety standards of the international food and health supplement markets.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is L-Theanine CAS 3081-61-6?
A: CAS 3081-61-6 is L-theanine, a water-soluble non-protein amino acid also known as N-ethyl-L-glutamine or L-glutamic acid gamma-ethylamide. It is supplied as a white crystalline powder with the molecular formula C7H14N2O3 and molecular weight 174.2. -
Q:
How does L-Theanine CAS 3081-61-6 differ from D,L-theanine or racemic theanine?
A: CAS 3081-61-6 identifies the L-isomer, which is the naturally occurring form found in tea and the form used for flavor, calm-alert, and cognitive-support applications. Racemic D,L-theanine has a different optical identity and should be handled under its own specification. -
Q:
What are the main applications of this L-Theanine grade?
A: It is used in dietary supplement capsules and tablets, functional beverages, and relaxation or specialty tea products. The material also serves as a pharmaceutical intermediate and appears in high-end pet nutrition formulations for calming support. -
Q:
What specifications apply to the standard export grade?
A: The standard export grade is a white crystalline powder with an HPLC assay of 98.0-102.0%, specific rotation of +7.5 to +8.5 degrees, loss on drying no more than 0.5%, and low heavy-metal limits. It is soluble in water and essentially insoluble in ethanol and ether. -
Q:
Can L-Theanine be used in pasteurized or UHT beverage processing?
A: Yes. L-Theanine is thermally stable under normal beverage processing conditions, including pasteurization and UHT treatment, and does not readily decompose in typical beverage pH ranges. Formulators should still validate the full finished-product recipe under their specific time and temperature conditions.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.
Quotation
Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.
Sample & Supply
Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.
Storage & Shipping
Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.



