L-LEUCINE

L-Leucine contributes to wound healing.
L-Leucine also prevents breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress.
L-Leucine may be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria.

CAS Number: 61‑90‑5 
EC / EINECS Number: 200‑522‑0 
Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₃NO₂ 
Molecular Weight: 131.17 g/mol 

SYNONYMS:
L-Leucine, Leucine, Leu, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, 2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid, 4-methyl-L-norvaline, alpha-Amino-gamma-methylvaleric acid, Leucine, 2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, L-leucine, leucine, 61-90-5, (S)-Leucine, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, Leucin, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid, (S)-(+)-Leucine, L-alpha-Aminoisocaproic acid, LEUCINE, L-, Leucinum, Leucina, FEMA No. 3297, (2S)-alpha-leucine, L-leucin, L-(-)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, alpha-Aminoisocaproic acid, L-Leuzin, 2-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, Leucine, l, NSC-46709, (2S)-alpha-2-amino-4-methylvaleric acid, GMW67QNF9C, L-Leu, DTXSID9023203, CHEBI:15603, (2S)-2-amino-4-methylpentanoate, L-Isomer Leucine, CHEBI:25017, NSC9252, L-Leucine High, L-Leucine 7413, RefChem:6453, L-Leucine High 7414, 2-Aminoisobutylacetic acid, DTXCID903203, 200-522-0, (2S)-2-azaniumyl-4-methylpentanoate, H-Leu-OH, leu, L-Norvaline, 4-methyl-, Leucin [German], Leucine (VAN), MFCD00002617, L-(+)-Leucine, Leucine [USAN:INN], Leucinum [INN-Latin], Leucina [INN-Spanish], Leucina [Latin,Spanish], Valeric acid, 2-amino-4-methyl-, (S)-, Pentanoic acid, 2-amino-4-methyl-, (S)-, 2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, (S)-, AI3-08899, 2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid (L), 2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid (L), NSC 46709, Leucine (L-Leucine), CHEMBL291962, L-Leucine, labeled with tritium, Certified Reference Material of L-leucine, 21675-61-6, M03060, L-a-Aminoisocaproic acid, L-Leucine, Non-animal origin, EINECS 200-522-0, UNII-GMW67QNF9C, Pentanoic acid, 2-amino-4-methyl-, HSDB 7799, Leucine CRS, LeuOH, 1lan, 1usk, 3h-l-leucine, L-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, (L)-leucine, .alpha.-Amino-.gamma.-methylvaleric acid, (3H)Leucine, H-Leu, L-Leucine, USP, Leucine (USP), L-a-Aminoisocaproate, Lysine Impurity 14, Leucine (H-3), 4-methyl-L-Norvaline, L-Leu-OH, (2S)-2-amino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid, L-Leucine (Standard), H-Leu-OH USP grade, L-Leucine-13C6?, 1f2o, starbld0005460, L-Leucine (JP18), L-alpha-Aminoisocaproate, LEUCINE [VANDF], LEUCINE [HSDB], LEUCINE [USAN], LEUCINE [INN], LEUCINE [II], LEUCINE [MI], L-LEUCINE [FCC], L-LEUCINE [JAN], LEUCINE [MART.], L-LEUCINE [FHFI], LEUCINE [WHO-DD], bmse000042, bmse000920, EC 200-522-0, L-Leucine, 99%, FG, SCHEMBL3889, NCIStruc1_001860, NCIStruc2_000010, iso-C4H9CH(NH2)COOH, L-LEUCINE [USP-RS], LEUCINE [EP MONOGRAPH], 2-Amino-4-methyl-valeric acid, GTPL3312, L-.alpha.-Aminoisocaproic acid, orb1303448, SCHEMBL2692807, SCHEMBL6526967, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylvalerate, LEUCINE [USP MONOGRAPH], Norvaline, 4-methyl-, (L)-, HY-N0486R, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoate, MSK1411, IS_LEUCINE-5,5,5-D3, Pharmakon1600-01301005, HY-N0486, NCI46709, STR01720, L-Leucine, Vetec(TM), 98.5%, BDBM50219348, CCG-37658, EBC-14834, NCGC00013565, NSC760100, s3753, (S)-2-Amino-4-methyl-pentanoic acid, 2-Amino-4-methylvaleric acid, (L)-, AKOS010373766, AKOS015841779, CS-W020705, DB00149, FL12677, NSC-760100, 2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, (L)-, VALINE IMPURITY C [EP IMPURITY], L-Leucine, tested according to Ph.Eur., NCGC00013565-02, NCGC00096678-01, 71000-80-1, E641, FL180129, SY005863, L-Leucine, BioUltra, >=99.5% (NT), DB-029966, L-Leucine(Discontinued,See C4X-221114), L-Leucine, SAJ special grade, >=99.0%, L-Leucine, reagent grade, >=98% (HPLC), L0029, NS00125065, EN300-52627, L-Leucine, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, >=98%, C00123, D00030, F70226, L-Leu-OH,(S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, L-Leucine, Cell Culture Reagent (H-L-Leu-OH), 002L617, Q483745, BRD-K12853841-001-02-2, L-Leucine, certified reference material, TraceCERT(R), LYSINE HYDROCHLORIDE IMPURITY A [EP IMPURITY], 2B9FF792-3CA1-4BEA-BC63-6D4E1A86714E, F8889-8638, Leucine, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard, Z756437526, L-Leucine, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard, L-Leucine, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard, Certified Reference Material, L-Leucine, from non-animal source, meets EP, JP, USP testing specifications, suitable for cell culture, 98.5-101.0%, (S)-2-Amino-4-methylpentanoic acid, L-Leucine

L-Leucine is an essential amino acid and is the key amino acid for promoting muscle protein synthesis.
L-Leucine is an essential amino acid and, as such, cannot be produced by the body, so you have to get it from food or dietary supplements.
It is particularly notable for its ability to maintain blood sugar levels, in addition to the fact that L-Leucine increases growth hormone production.

Combined with isoleucine and valine, L-Leucine protects and fuels muscles, helping to increase endurance levels and boost energy.
As far as natural sources of L-Leucine are concerned, the most important are those of animal origin, as they are sources of complete proteins.
L-Leucine is an essential amino acid, specifically classified as a "branched-chain amino acid" (BCAA).

BCAAs, especially leucine, stimulate muscle protein synthesis and may be the major fuel involved in anabolic reactions.
This makes them especially important for body builders and other athletes in sports that demand explosive strength.
L-leucine is one of the three amino acids that make up the “golden triad” of what are known as branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), along with isoleucine and valine.

You may already know by now that the relevance of their benefits in the field of sport is growing stronger by the day.
We tell you all about a substance you should not overlook.
L-leucine is the L-enantiomer of leucine.

L-Leucine has a role as a plant metabolite, an Escherichia coli metabolite, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite, a human metabolite, an algal metabolite and a mouse metabolite.
L-Leucine is a pyruvate family amino acid, a proteinogenic amino acid, a leucine and a L-alpha-amino acid.

L-Leucine is a conjugate base of a L-leucinium.
L-Leucine is a conjugate acid of a L-leucinate.
L-Leucine is an enantiomer of a D-leucine.

L-Leucine is a tautomer of a L-leucine zwitterion.
L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid important for hemoglobin formation.
L-Leucine is a metabolite found in or produced by Escherichia coli.

L-Leucine has been reported in Microchloropsis, Humulus lupulus, and other organisms with data available.
L-Leucine is one of nine essential amino acids in humans, provided by food.
L-Leucine is a branched-chain α-amino acid with the chemical formula HO2CCH(NH2)CH2CH(CH3)2.

L-Leucine is classified as a hydrophobic amino acid due to its aliphatic isobutyl side chain.
L-Leucine is encoded by six codons (UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG).
L-Leucine is a major component of the subunits in ferritin, astacin, and other buffer proteins.

L-Leucine is an essential amino acid, meaning that the human body cannot synthesize it.
L-Leucine must be ingested.
L-Leucine is important for hemoglobin formation.

L-Leucine is a non-animal derived, essential amino acid with a solubility of 2.2 g/100 g H2O at 20°C.
L-Leucine is available in different grades and can be used for medical, enteral and infant nutrition, as well as other biopharma and food applications.

L-Leucine is supplied as white crystals or crystalline powder.
L-Leucine is in accordance with the EP, USP, JP and FCC monographs.
L-Leucine is an amino acid commonly found as a component of total parenteral nutrition.

L-Leucine is an essential branched-chain amino acid, which activates the mTOR signaling pathway.
L-Leucine is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.

L-Leucine is an α-amino acid, meaning it contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH3+ form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), and a side chain isobutyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid.

L-Leucine is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it; it must be obtained from the diet.
Human dietary sources are foods that contain protein, such as meats, dairy products, soy products, and beans and other legumes.
L-Leucine is named after the Greek word for "white": λευκός (leukós, "white"), after its common appearance as a white powder, a property it shares with many other amino acids.

Like valine and isoleucine, L-Leucine is a branched-chain amino acid.
The primary metabolic end products of L-Leucine metabolism are acetyl-CoA and acetoacetate; consequently, it is one of the two exclusively ketogenic amino acids, with lysine being the other.

L-Leucine is the most important ketogenic amino acid in humans.
L-Leucine and β-hydroxy β-methylbutyric acid, a minor leucine metabolite, exhibit pharmacological activity in humans and have been demonstrated to promote protein biosynthesis via the phosphorylation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR).

L‑Leucine is one of the 20 standard proteinogenic amino acids and is classified as an essential branched‑chain amino acid (BCAA), meaning the human body cannot synthesize it and it must be obtained through diet.
L-Leucine plays key roles in protein synthesis, metabolism, cellular energy, and muscle maintenance.
L-Leucine is a non‑polar, aliphatic amino acid with an isobutyl side chain that contributes to its hydrophobic character.

USES and APPLICATIONS of L-LEUCINE:
L-Leucine is indicated to assist in the prevention of the breakdown of muscle proteins that sometimes occur after trauma or severe stress.
L-Leucine helps with the regulation of blood-sugar levels, the growth and repair of muscle tissue, such as bones, skin and muscles, growth hormone production, wound healing, and energy regulation.

L-Leucine can assist to prevent the breakdown of muscle proteins that sometimes occur after trauma or severe stress.
L-Leucine may also be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria, a condition in which the body cannot metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine.

L-Leucine is important for protein synthesis and many metabolic functions.
L-Leucine contributes to regulation of blood-sugar levels.
L-Leucine contributes to growth and repair of muscle and bone tissue.

L-Leucine contributes to growth hormone production.
L-Leucine contributes to wound healing.
L-Leucine also prevents breakdown of muscle proteins after trauma or severe stress.

L-Leucine may be beneficial for individuals with phenylketonuria.
L-Leucine is available in many foods and deficiency is rare.
L-Leucine is a small molecule drug with a maximum clinical trial phase of III across all indications and has seven investigational indications.

L-Leucine performs a number of functions in the body.
L-Leucine helps to regulate blood sugar.
L-Leucine improves wound healing.

L-Leucine produces growth hormone.
L-Leucine is best known for its role in the muscular system.
L-Leucine is vital for muscle building and muscle repair.

L-Leucine may help muscles recover after strenuous use.
In one study of highly fit cyclists, taking L-Leucine after a workout enhanced their speed the next day.
They also reported less overall tiredness.

L-Leucine has been shown to improve strength in older adults, especially those with sarcopenia, muscle loss.
Sometimes exercise enhanced the benefit.
In one study, older men increased their synthesis of protein even though they were not deficient.

L-Leucine seems to play a role in weight control.
In animal studies, L-Leucine supplements increased the response to leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite.

Some researchers believe that the success of high-protein diets may be due in part to the role of L-Leucine in regulating blood glucose.
Dietary leucine: As a food additive, L-leucine has the E number E641 and is classified as a flavor enhancer.

-Nutrition & Dietary uses of L-Leucine:
*Dietary Supplement: 
L-Leucine is used in sports nutrition and health supplements to support muscle maintenance, recovery, and protein synthesis.

*Nutrition Source: 
L-Leucine is essential component in complete dietary protein; important in infant formulas and medical nutrition.

*Food Additive: 
In some cases, L-Leucine is used as a flavor enhancer; assigned E number E641.

-Medical & Research uses of L-Leucine:
*Clinical Research: 
L-Leucine is studied for muscle wasting conditions, metabolic diseases, and recovery from injury.

*Cell Culture: 
L-Leucine is used in biochemical studies and media for culturing cells (as part of amino acid mixes in labs).

FOODS WITH L-LEUCINE:
Getting your leucine and other BCAAs from food is safest for most people.
The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements, so they may not contain precisely what they say they do.

They can have side effects or interact with other medications.
Dietary sources are mostly safe, inexpensive, and good-tasting.
Nutrition labels for food don't list the individual amino acids, so most people should just be sure they are getting enough protein.

Adults need about 7 grams (g) of protein per 20 pounds of body weight, so a person weighing 140 pounds would need 49g.
Both plant and animal food can fulfill your protein needs.
Once animal foods were considered superior for protein as they contain all the essential amino acids.

Dietitians now say that it is not necessary to consume all the essential amino acids at one time.
Instead, they can be spread over the course of a day, making it much easier for people who are vegan and vegetarian to meet the recommendations for protein.

There are many dietary sources for leucine and other BCAAs.
Consider these healthy sources of amino acids:

**Salmon
Get your amino acids from salmon, and you'll also get omega-3 fatty acids.
There are some health concerns about farmed salmon.
Choose wild-caught or limit your servings per month.

**Chickpeas
These nutritional superstars contain 7g of protein and 6g of fiber in just half a cup, and they are high in iron, too.
Enjoy them as hummus or add them to soups, stews, curries, and salads.

**Brown Rice
Try brown rice instead of white.
You'll get a nutty taste and a slightly chewy texture that many people enjoy.

**Eggs
Even the American Heart Association says that an egg a day is okay.
You'll get 6g of protein in that egg.

**Soybeans
This versatile legume is available in a variety of forms, including tofu, tempeh, edamame, and roasted soybeans.
Today, texturized soy protein is readily available in supermarkets.
It can substitute meat in many dishes.

**Nuts
Almonds, Brazil nuts, and cashews are good sources of essential amino acids.
So are peanuts, although they are technically legumes instead of nuts.

**Beef
Beef is one of the best sources of amino acids.
To reduce your intake of fats and cholesterol, choose a lean cut or try grass-fed beef.

BENEFITS & CHARACTERISTICS of L-LEUCINE:
*Essential for Humans: 
Because L-Leucine cannot be synthesized internally, dietary intake is crucial.

*Muscle Protein Synthesis: 
L-Leucine stimulates repair and synthesis through key signaling pathways (e.g., mTOR).

*Ketogenic: 
Metabolism yields key energy intermediates; L-Leucine supports energy homeostasis during fasting/exercise.

*Hydrophobic Nature: 
L-Leucine's side chain contributes to protein folding and structure.

CHEMICAL CLASSIFICATION & STRUCTURE of L-LEUCINE:
L-Leucine is an α‑amino acid with a branched, non‑polar side chain (isobutyl group).
Like other amino acids, L-Leucine contains an amino group (–NH₂) and a carboxyl group (–COOH) attached to the same carbon (alpha carbon).
In aqueous solution at physiological pH, L-Leucine exists as a zwitterion.

BIOLOGICAL ROLES & FUNCTIONS of L-LEUCINE:
*Protein Synthesis: 
Integral building block of proteins in cells.

*Energy & Metabolism: 
One of the three branched‑chain amino acids metabolized primarily in muscle; its catabolism yields acetyl‑CoA and acetoacetate, making it ketogenic.

*Regulator of mTOR: 
Activates the mTOR pathway, a key regulator of muscle protein synthesis and cell growth.

*Essential Amino Acid: 
Must be obtained via diet (meat, dairy, legumes, soy products, etc.).

PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL PROPERTIES of L-LEUCINE:
Molecular Weight: 131.17 g/mol
XLogP3: -1.5
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 2
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 3
Rotatable Bond Count: 3
Exact Mass: 131.094628657 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 131.094628657 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 63.3 Ų

Heavy Atom Count: 9
Formal Charge: 0
Complexity: 101
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 1
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes

Physical state: powder
Color: white
Odor: weak
Melting point/freezing point: Melting point/ range: > 300 °C - lit.
Initial boiling point and boiling range: 122 - 134 °C at 2,66 - 3,99 hPa
Flammability (solid, gas): No data available
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: No data available
Flash point: Not applicable
Autoignition temperature: does not ignite

Decomposition temperature: ca. 296 °C
pH: 5,5 - 6,5 at 20 g/l at 20 °C
Viscosity: Viscosity, kinematic: No data available, Viscosity, dynamic: No data available
Water solubility: 23 g/l at 25 °C - completely soluble
Partition coefficient n-octanol/water: log Pow: -1,52 - (Lit.), Bioaccumulation is not expected.
Vapor pressure: No data available
Density: 1,29 g/cm3 at 18 °C
Relative density: No data available

Relative vapour density: No data available
Particle characteristics: No data available
Explosive properties: Not classified as explosive.
Oxidizing properties: none
Other safety information: Surface tension ca.68,6 mN/m at ca.16,4g/l at 25 °C
Dissociation constant: 2,36 at 25 °C
Relative vapour density: 4,52

CAS Number: 61-90-5
EC / EINECS Number: 200-522-0
PubChem CID: 6106
Chemical Formula: C₆H₁₃NO₂
Molecular Weight: 131.17 g/mol
InChIKey: ROHFNLRQFUQHCH-YFKPBYRVSA-N
SMILES: CC(C)CC@@HN

ECHA InfoCard: Available (100.000.475)
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor/Taste: Odorless, slightly bitter taste
State: Solid at room temperature
Density: ~1.17–1.29 g/cm³ (solid)
Melting Point: ~270-340 °C (decomposes)
Boiling Point / Vapor Pressure: At reduced pressure <1 hPa; 
typical overhead boiling data not available at 1 atm

Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (~20-22.4 g/L at 20 °C); 
solubility in acids up to ~50 mg/mL in 1 M HCl
pKa (carboxyl/amino): ~2.36 and ~9.60 (zwitterionic in neutral pH)
pH: ~5.5-6.5 (in water solution)
Optical Rotation: ~+15.4° (indicating L-chirality)
CAS Number: 61-90-5
EC / EINECS: 200-522-0
PubChem CID: 6106
Formula: C₆H₁₃NO₂

Mol. Weight: 131.17 g/mol
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Solubility: Moderate in water
Melting Point: ~270-340 °C (decomp.)
Essential Amino Acid: Yes
Dietary Role: Protein synthesis, muscle metabolism
Chemical formula: C6H13NO2
Molar mass: 131.175 g·mol−1
Acidity (pKa): 2.36 (carboxyl), 9.60 (amino)
Magnetic susceptibility (χ): −84.9·10−6 cm3/mol

FIRST AID MEASURES of L-LEUCINE:
-Description of first-aid measures
*General advice:
Show this material safety data sheet to the doctor in attendance.
*If inhaled:
After inhalation: 
Fresh air.
*In case of skin contact: 
Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. 
Rinse skin with
water/ shower.
*In case of eye contact:
After eye contact: 
Rinse out with plenty of water. 
Call in ophthalmologist. 
Remove contact lenses.
*If swallowed:
After swallowing: 
Immediately make victim drink water (two glasses at most). 
Consult a physician.
-Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed.
No data available

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES of L-LEUCINE:
-Environmental precautions:
Do not let product enter drains.
-Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up:
Cover drains. 
Collect, bind, and pump off spills. 
Observe possible material restrictions. 
Take up dry. 
Dispose of properly. 
Clean up affected area.

FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES of L-LEUCINE:
-Extinguishing media:
*Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 
Foam 
Dry powder
*Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.
-Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION of L-LEUCINE:
-Control parameters:
--Ingredients with workplace control parameters:
-Exposure controls:
--Personal protective equipment:
*Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection. 
Safety glasses
*Body Protection:
protective clothing
*Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A 
-Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

HANDLING and STORAGE of L-LEUCINE:
-Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
*Storage conditions:
Tightly closed. 
Dry.

STABILITY and REACTIVITY of L-LEUCINE:
-Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).
-Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available