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Glucosamine hydrochloride is a naturally occurring amino sugar and a prominent biochemical compound in the human body, particularly in cartilage and connective tissues.
It is commonly used in dietary supplements and as a pharmaceutical agent for joint health.
Unlike its sulfate counterpart, Glucosamine HCl is highly stable and water-soluble, making it advantageous in certain pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.
CAS Number: 66-84-2
Synonyms: D-Glucosamine hydrochloride, 2-Amino-2-deoxy-D-glucose hydrochloride, Glucosamine HCl, Chitosamine hydrochloride
Chemical Identity and Structure
Molecular Formula: C6H13NO5·HCl
Molecular Weight: 215.63 g/mol
IUPAC Name: (3R,4R,5R,6R)-3-Amino-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-2,4,5-triol hydrochloride
Structural Characteristics: Consists of a six-carbon sugar backbone with an amine substitution at C-2 and multiple hydroxyl groups enhancing solubility.
Physicochemical Properties
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Freely soluble in water, sparingly soluble in ethanol
Melting Point: 194–196 °C (with decomposition)
pH (1% solution): ~3.0–4.5
Optical Rotation: +72° to +76° (20 °C, water)
Synthesis and Production Methods
Glucosamine hydrochloride is primarily obtained through the hydrolysis of chitin from crustacean shells, followed by deacetylation and hydrochloride salt formation.
Enzymatic and microbial synthesis methods are also under research for improved sustainability.
Analytical Characterization Techniques
Characterization methods include:
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
Mass Spectrometry (MS)
Polarimetry
Stability and Storage Conditions
Stable under standard conditions when protected from moisture and excessive heat.
Best stored in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
Glucosamine HCl is orally bioavailable, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 2 to 4 hours.
It is absorbed via glucose transporters and has a half-life of ~15 hours. It exhibits wide distribution, especially in synovial fluid.
Pharmacodynamics and Mechanism of Action
Acts as a precursor for glycosaminoglycan synthesis in cartilage.
It promotes the formation of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid, aiding cartilage repair and reducing inflammation in joints.
Biological Functions and Role in Human Physiology
Involved in the biosynthesis of chondroitin sulfate, keratan sulfate, and heparan sulfate.
It supports cartilage structure, joint lubrication, and elasticity of connective tissue.
Clinical Uses and Therapeutic Applications
Primarily used for:
Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, spine)
Temporomandibular joint disorders
Sports injuries involving cartilage degeneration
Dosage Forms and Formulation
Available as:
Tablets
Capsules
Sachets and powders
Effervescent tablets
Often combined with chondroitin sulfate, MSM, or hyaluronic acid for synergistic effects.
Nutraceutical and Dietary Supplement Applications
Used widely in over-the-counter joint health supplements. Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) with daily doses ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 mg.
Use in Veterinary Medicine
Commonly included in supplements for dogs, cats, and horses to manage osteoarthritis and improve joint mobility.
SAFETY INFORMATION ABOUT GLUCOSAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE
First aid measures:
Description of first aid measures:
General advice:
Consult a physician.
Show this safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
Move out of dangerous area:
If inhaled:
If breathed in, move person into fresh air.
If not breathing, give artificial respiration.
Consult a physician.
In case of skin contact:
Take off conSAFETYtaminated clothing and shoes immediately.
Wash off with soap and plenty of water.
Consult a physician.
In case of eye contact:
Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and consult a physician.
Continue rinsing eyes during transport to hospital.
If swallowed:
Do NOT induce vomiting.
Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.
Rinse mouth with water.
Consult a physician.
Firefighting measures:
Extinguishing media:
Suitable extinguishing media:
Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
Special hazards arising from the substance or mixture
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas
Advice for firefighters:
Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.
Accidental release measures:
Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures
Use personal protective equipment.
Avoid breathing vapours, mist or gas.
Evacuate personnel to safe areas.
Environmental precautions:
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Soak up with inert absorbent material and dispose of as hazardous waste.
Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.
Handling and storage:
Precautions for safe handling:
Avoid inhalation of vapour or mist.
Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place.
Containers which are opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage.
Storage class (TRGS 510): 8A: Combustible, corrosive hazardous materials
Exposure controls/personal protection:
Control parameters:
Components with workplace control parameters
Contains no substances with occupational exposure limit values.
Exposure controls:
Appropriate engineering controls:
Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice.
Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.
Personal protective equipment:
Eye/face protection:
Tightly fitting safety goggles.
Faceshield (8-inch minimum).
Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
Skin protection:
Handle with gloves.
Gloves must be inspected prior to use.
Use proper glove
removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product.
Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices.
Wash and dry hands.
Full contact:
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
Splash contact
Material: Nitrile rubber
Minimum layer thickness: 0.11 mm
Break through time: 480 min
Material tested:Dermatril (KCL 740 / Aldrich Z677272, Size M)
It should not be construed as offering an approval for any specific use scenario.
Body Protection:
Complete suit protecting against chemicals, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace.
Respiratory protection:
Where risk assessment shows air-purifying respirators are appropriate use a fullface respirator with multi-purpose combination (US) or type ABEK (EN 14387) respirator cartridges as a backup to engineering controls.
If the respirator is the sole means of protection, use a full-face supplied air respirator.
Use respirators and components tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or CEN (EU).
Control of environmental exposure
Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so.
Do not let product enter drains.
Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
Stability and reactivity:
Chemical stability:
Stable under recommended storage conditions.
Incompatible materials:
Strong oxidizing agents:
Hazardous decomposition products:
Hazardous decomposition products formed under fire conditions.
Carbon oxides, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Hydrogen chloride gas.
Disposal considerations:
Waste treatment methods:
Product:
Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company.
Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material.
Contaminated packaging:
Dispose of as unused product
