N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine
Amino Acids
Antioxidants
Nutritional Enhancers
616-91-1
C₅H₉NO₃S
$26.68 ~ $40.02
Food
Free sample from 100g(NF)
One unit of:25kg/barrel
One unit of:25kg/barrel
25kg/barrel
Product Info
What is N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine?
N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine is a modified form of the amino acid L-cysteine, utilized in the food industry primarily as an antioxidant, reducing agent, and dough conditioner.
How is N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine made?
| Step No. | Production Stage | Key Action | Control Point & Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raw Material Preparation | Dissolve or suspend L-Cysteine in a suitable alkaline aqueous solution (e.g., sodium hydroxide). | Control the concentration and pH of the solution. This ensures the amino group is deprotonated and ready for reaction. |
| 2 | Acetylation Reaction | Add an acetylating agent, typically acetic anhydride, to the L-Cysteine solution under controlled conditions. | Strict temperature control (e.g., keeping it below 20°C) is critical as the reaction is exothermic and can lead to impurities. The rate of addition is monitored closely. |
| 3 | Precipitation | Acidify the reaction mixture with a strong acid (e.g., hydrochloric acid) to lower the pH, causing the N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine to precipitate out as a solid. | The final pH is a critical parameter (typically pH 1-2) that directly impacts the precipitation efficiency and yield. |
| 4 | Isolation & Washing | Filter the crude solid product from the solution. Wash the collected solid with cold, purified water. | Washing removes water-soluble impurities like salts and excess acid. Using cold water is essential to minimize the loss of the desired product, which has slight solubility. |
| 5 | Purification (Recrystallization) | Dissolve the crude N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine in a hot solvent (like hot water), then allow the solution to cool slowly to form pure crystals. | The rate of cooling influences crystal size and purity; slower cooling generally yields purer, larger crystals. The purity is often checked at this stage via HPLC. |
| 6 | Drying | Dry the purified, wet crystals under vacuum at a controlled, moderate temperature. | Vacuum drying at a low temperature prevents thermal degradation of the product. The process is monitored until the Loss on Drying (LOD) meets predefined specifications. |
| 7 | Milling & Sieving | Mill the dried product to a specific particle size and then sieve it to ensure a uniform particle size distribution. | Particle size distribution is a key quality attribute that affects the product's flowability, dissolution rate, and suitability for downstream formulation (e.g., tablets). |
| 8 | Final Quality Control & Packaging | Perform comprehensive testing on the final powder and package it in sealed, light-resistant containers. | Final QC tests confirm identity, purity (assay ≥ 98.5%), heavy metal content, residual solvents, and microbial limits. Proper packaging ensures product stability during storage. |
Technical Specifications
| CAS Number | 616-91-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C₅H₉NO₃S |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol |
| Storage Conditions | Store in tightly sealed containers, away from light and heat |
| Shelf Life | 24 Months |
Applications & Usage
Common Applications:
Nutritional supplements
pharmaceutical APIs
mucolytic agent
Mechanism of action:
| Parameter | N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine |
|---|---|
| Functional Category | Dough Conditioner; Reducing Agent; Processing Aid |
| Key Ingredients | N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) |
| Mechanism of Action | The thiol group (-SH) of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine acts as a reducing agent, cleaving disulfide bonds (-S-S-) within the gluten protein network through thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. This depolymerizes the high molecular weight glutenin polymers, disrupting the protein matrix. |
| Application Effect in Product | Reduces dough mixing time and energy requirements; increases dough extensibility and plasticity (flow); decreases dough elasticity and resistance to extension; improves machinability and handling for sheeting and molding; allows for faster proofing times. |
Comparison:
| Product Name | Category/Type | Key Features | Strengths (vs peers) | Weaknesses (vs peers) | Best Use Cases | Why Choose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) | Amino Acid Derivative | Direct precursor to glutathione; powerful mucolytic (mucus-thinning) agent; supports detoxification pathways. | Highly bioavailable and well-researched; cost-effective; provides potent respiratory support unmatched by others. | Has a distinct sulfur smell/taste; can cause gastrointestinal upset at high doses. | Supporting respiratory health, boosting systemic glutathione levels, liver support from certain toxins. | For a proven, affordable supplement to directly increase cysteine for glutathione production, especially if respiratory benefits are desired. |
| L-Glutathione (Reduced) | Tripeptide Antioxidant | Directly supplies the complete "master antioxidant" molecule. | Provides the end-product directly, bypassing the need for cellular synthesis from precursors. | Very poor oral bioavailability; most is broken down by digestion before it can be used effectively by cells. | When direct supplementation is preferred, often in specialized (liposomal or sublingual) forms to enhance absorption. | To attempt direct replacement of glutathione, assuming a form with enhanced absorption is used. |
| S-Acetyl-L-Glutathione (SAG) | Acetylated Tripeptide | A stabilized form of glutathione that can be absorbed intact and deliver glutathione directly into cells. | Significantly higher oral bioavailability than standard L-Glutathione; crosses the cell membrane easily. | Much more expensive than NAC and L-Glutathione; newer form with less extensive long-term research. | For individuals seeking maximum direct oral glutathione delivery who may not respond to NAC. | When budget is not a primary concern and the goal is the most direct and potent oral delivery of glutathione. |
| Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) | Antioxidant Compound | A versatile antioxidant, soluble in both water and fat; helps regenerate other antioxidants like glutathione, Vitamin C, and E. | Broad-spectrum action; supports nerve health and glucose metabolism; can cross the blood-brain barrier. | Does not directly provide building blocks for new glutathione, only helps recycle existing stores. | General antioxidant support, nerve health, supporting healthy blood sugar levels. | For a multi-purpose antioxidant that supports the entire antioxidant network, not just glutathione synthesis. |
| Milk Thistle (Silymarin) | Herbal Supplement | Contains silymarin, a flavonoid complex with strong hepatoprotective (liver-protective) properties. | Exceptional and targeted support for liver health; clinically shown to protect liver cells and prevent glutathione depletion. | Benefits are largely concentrated in the liver; less effective as a systemic, whole-body glutathione booster compared to NAC. | Protecting the liver from toxins, supporting liver function and detoxification. | When the primary goal is targeted liver protection and health, with glutathione preservation as a key benefit. |
Technical Documents
Available Documentation
COA, TDS available
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
MSDS available
Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality assurance documentation
Technical Data Sheet
Detailed technical specifications