L-Carnitine | CAS 541-15-1 | Quaternary Ammonium Metabolite (Research Use Only) | Knowlux

Product Description

L-Carnitine, CAS 541-15-1, is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound supplied by Knowlux for laboratory research use. It is also known as levocarnitine, vitamin BT, or (R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylammonio)butyrate. The molecule is a zwitterionic inner salt with a trimethylammonium head group and a carboxylate tail, and it functions as an obligate cofactor for the mitochondrial transport of long-chain fatty acids. The molecular formula is C7H15NO3 and the molecular weight is 161.20 g/mol. Each lot is released with a lot-specific COA, MSDS and full analytical traceability.

Form and grade clarification: CAS 541-15-1 describes the inner salt (zwitterionic) form of L-carnitine, which is the standard commercial grade. L-Carnitine is also available as salts (tartrate, fumarate, hydrochloride) and as acetylated derivatives (acetyl-L-carnitine); these are distinct entities with different CAS numbers and should not be conflated with the inner salt. Knowlux declares the form on each COA. Commercial listings describe L-carnitine as a weight-loss supplement or athletic performance enhancer; those designations attach to food and supplement markets and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot.

Product Parameters

Product Details

1. Overview

L-Carnitine is a low-molecular-weight quaternary ammonium compound that is biosynthesised endogenously in mammals from lysine and methionine. Its defining biological role is to shuttle long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation, a function it performs by converting acyl-CoA esters into acylcarnitine esters that can traverse the membrane. In research settings, L-carnitine is studied as a metabolic intermediate, a biomarker of mitochondrial function, and a modulator of acyl-CoA/CoA ratios in cellular models. Knowlux supplies L-carnitine as a research-grade material for laboratory and analytical use; this supply is not intended for human consumption and does not constitute a finished supplement or drug product.

2. Research Context (Not a Therapeutic Claim)

Published literature describes L-carnitine as a metabolite studied in in vitro and in vivo research models. Its primary biochemical function is the transport of long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria, and it also modulates the acyl-CoA/CoA ratio and participates in the detoxification of accumulating acyl groups. In a randomized controlled trial in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, 3 g/day L-carnitine was reported to increase ovulation rates and endometrial thickness compared with placebo. In osteoarthritis research, a small trial reported reductions in inflammatory biomarkers with 250 mg L-carnitine three times daily, while a larger trial with 1 g/day found no effect on pain or function. These descriptions are derived from published research and are provided for scientific reference only. Knowlux makes no claims regarding the efficacy, safety, or suitability of this product for any human application. Promotion of L-carnitine for weight loss, athletic performance, fertility treatment, or any health benefit is not supported by Knowlux and is inconsistent with research-use-only supply.

3. Quality Control

4. Applications

• Reference standard for carnitine and acylcarnitine analytical method development

• In vitro mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and metabolic pathway studies

• Acyl-CoA/CoA ratio modulation research models

• Biomarker studies for mitochondrial function and metabolic disorders

• LC-MS and biochemical assay calibrators

5. Packaging, Storage & Shipping

L-Carnitine is highly hygroscopic and deliquesces on exposure to air. Primary containment: amber glass vial or high-barrier aluminium pouch under nitrogen headspace, sealed with tamper-evident closure. Secondary packaging: light-protected carton with desiccant. Ambient or cold-chain shipping with temperature logger where required. COA, MSDS, packing list and certificate of origin issued with each shipment.

6. Documentation Support

Per lot: COA, MSDS, certificate of origin, residual solvent statement, heavy metal statement, moisture report, specific rotation report. Specification summaries and audit support available on a project basis.

About Knowlux

Knowlux Biotechnology is a GMP-oriented manufacturer and supplier of peptides, APIs and fine-chemical research compounds, operating from Hubei, China. We serve research groups, CDMOs and distributors in more than 40 countries, and support contract synthesis, custom packaging and technical documentation requests.

Compliance Statement

This product is supplied for laboratory research use only. It is not for human or animal administration, not for diagnostic or therapeutic use, not for retail sale, and not for personal use. L-Carnitine is authorised as a food nutrition enhancer in China under GB 14880-2012 and is available as a dietary supplement and prescription medicine (levocarnitine) in many jurisdictions. Those regulatory positions attach to compliant food-, supplement- and pharmaceutical-grade supply chains and do not apply to, and are not represented by, this research-grade lot. L-Carnitine carries a GHS classification of H315 (skin irritation), H319 (serious eye irritation) and H335 (respiratory irritation); appropriate handling precautions should be observed. Research context statements are for scientific reference only and do not constitute medical advice, promotional claims, or dosing guidance.