L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate is a salt form of the amino acid L-cysteine. It contains one molecule of L-cysteine hydrochloride and one molecule of water. L-cysteine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning the body can usually produce it on its own. It plays a vital role in several bodily functions. The hydrochloride salt form is more stable and water-soluble than pure L-cysteine.
Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:
Properties:
- Chemical Formula: C3H7NO2S⋅HCl⋅H2O
- Molecular Weight: 175.63 g/mol
- Appearance: White crystalline powder or crystals
- Solubility: Soluble in cold water
- Hygroscopic: It tends to absorb moisture from the air.
- Air and Light Sensitive: It can degrade upon exposure to air and light.
- Melting Point: Around 175°C (decomposes)
Uses:
L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate has various applications, including:
- Pharmaceuticals:
- Antioxidant: It acts as an antioxidant. The body converts L-cysteine into glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
- Mucolytic agent: It is a precursor to N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), which is used to break down mucus in respiratory conditions.
- Amino acid supplementation: It can be used to meet essential nutritional requirements in intravenous feeding.
- Treatment of liver disease: It has been used as an antidote and to improve liver function.
- Food Industry:
- Flour treatment agent: It is used to improve the dough's texture and reduce mixing time in baking.
- Antioxidant: It can prevent browning in fruit juices.
- Flavor production: It reacts with sugars to produce meat-like flavors.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products:
- It is used in various cosmetic formulations.
- Animal Feed:
- It is used as a feed additive, especially for sheep, to promote wool growth.
- Biochemical Research:
- It is used in cell culture media.
- It plays a role in protein synthesis and stability.
- It can act as a reducing agent in various biochemical processes.
