L-Carnitine (4-trimethylammonio-3-hydroxybutyrate) is an essential zwitterionic quaternary ammonium compound and obligate cofactor for mitochondrial fatty acid beta-oxidation. Functioning as a primary substrate for carnitine palmitoyltransferase enzymes (CPT-1 and CPT-2), L-Carnitine translocates long-chain fatty acyl-CoA esters across the inner mitochondrial membrane into the matrix for Krebs cycle ATP generation while buffering intracellular acetyl-CoA/free CoA ratios.
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| Quantity | Discounted Price |
|---|---|
| 4 - 6 | $48.96 |
| 7 - 9 | $47.94 |
| 10 + | $46.92 |
L-Carnitine (known chemically as 4-trimethylammonio-3-hydroxybutyrate or (R)-(3-carboxy-2-hydroxypropyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide) is an endogenous amino acid derivative synthesized from L-lysine and L-methionine. Operating as an indispensable metabolic cofactor, L-Carnitine regulates mitochondrial energy production by mediating the transport of activated long-chain fatty acids across the impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane.
By forming transient acylcarnitine esters via carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT-2), L-Carnitine supplies long-chain fatty acyl-CoA molecules directly to the mitochondrial matrix for mitochondrial beta-oxidation. Concurrently, it buffers excess matrix acetyl-CoA via carnitine acetyltransferase (CRAT), preventing metabolic feedback inhibition of the Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) complex.
Batch-verified for high analytical purity at Modern Aminos, L-Carnitine is supplied in a high-concentration 600mg/mL pre-mixed liquid solution packaged in a 20mL sterile glass vial. Researchers evaluating mitochondrial respiratory capacity, fatty acid oxidation flux, and cellular energy expenditure utilize L-Carnitine alongside complementary metabolic reference standards available on the site, such as SLU-PP-332, BAM15, AICAR, and MOTS-C.
| Compound Name | L-Carnitine (Levocarnitine) |
|---|---|
| Quantity / Formats Offered | 600mg/mL Liquid Solution in 20mL Glass Vial (12,000mg Total Mass) |
| Synonyms / Alt Names | Levocarnitine, (R)-Carnitine, 4-trimethylammonio-3-hydroxybutyrate, L-Carnitine Base |
| CAS Number | 541-15-1 |
| Chemical Formula | C7H15NO3 |
| Molecular Weight | 161.20 g/mol |
| IUPAC Name | (3R)-3-hydroxy-4-(trimethylazaniumyl)butanoate |
| InChIKey | InChIKey=XEEIOWLUKPNEGL-LURJTMSTSA-N |
| SMILES Code | C[N+](C)(C)C[C@@H](CC(=O)[O-])O |
The biochemical pathways and cellular targets include:
When evaluating research efficacy and published scientific literature:
To evaluate metabolic transport mechanisms, mitochondrial energy pathways, and bioenergetic targets, researchers compare L-Carnitine against alternative reference compounds available at Modern Aminos:
In laboratory research settings, vehicle density and physical format significantly impact experimental utility:
| Compound / Reference | Chemical Structure & Class | Core Mechanism of Action | Research Focus & Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| L-Carnitine | Zwitterionic Quaternary Ammonium Compound | Translocates long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria via CPT-1/CPT-2 and buffers acetyl-CoA via CRAT | Focuses on mitochondrial beta-oxidation, carnitine shuttle kinetics, fatty acid transport, and systemic metabolic flux |
| Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) | Acetylated L-Carnitine Ester Derivative | Crosses blood-brain barrier intact; donates acetyl groups for acetylcholine synthesis and mitochondrial ATP production | Focuses on neuro-energetics, central nervous system lipid transport, acetyl donor signaling, and cognitive bioenergetics |
| SLU-PP-332 | Pan-ERR Nuclear Receptor Agonist | Binds ERRα/β/γ receptors to recruit PGC-1α and upregulate mitochondrial OXPHOS gene transcription | Focuses on nuclear receptor exercise mimetics, oxidative muscle fiber switching, and de novo mitochondrial biogenesis |
| BAM15 | Mitochondrial Protonophore Uncoupler | Uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP synthesis by discharging the mitochondrial inner membrane proton gradient | Focuses on uncoupled respiration, energy expenditure elevation, and lipid oxidation independent of fatty acid shuttles |
Yes, Modern Aminos is a highly trusted vendor for high-purity research chemicals and reference compounds. Every batch undergoes strict third-party analytical testing (including HPLC and Mass Spectrometry) to verify minimum 98%+ chemical purity, exact 600mg/mL concentration, and complete absence of heavy metals or synthesis impurities.
L-Carnitine (4-trimethylammonio-3-hydroxybutyrate) is a naturally occurring quaternary ammonium compound essential for cellular bioenergetics. It acts as an obligate cofactor for carnitine palmitoyltransferase enzymes, facilitating the transport of long-chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for beta-oxidation and ATP production.
It binds long-chain fatty acyl-CoA molecules via carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1) on the outer mitochondrial membrane to form acylcarnitine. Acylcarnitine translocates into the mitochondrial matrix via carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase, where CPT-2 regenerates fatty acyl-CoA for Krebs cycle entry.
Modern Aminos supplies a high-density 600mg/mL pre-solubilized liquid solution packaged in a 20mL sterile glass vial. This format provides high active compound density for precise volumetric addition in cell culture and biochemical assay preparations.
By reacting with excess mitochondrial acetyl-CoA via carnitine acetyltransferase (CRAT), L-Carnitine forms acetyl-L-carnitine and releases free Coenzyme A. This buffer mechanism maintains Pyruvate Dehydrogenase (PDH) complex activity and prevents metabolic feedback inhibition during elevated glycolytic or oxidative flux.
It functions primarily as a fatty acid transport shuttle across mitochondrial membranes. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) contains an acetylated ester group that enables enhanced lipophilicity and blood-brain barrier transport, serving as both a carnitine donor and an acetyl substrate for central neurotransmitter synthesis.
Modern Aminos utilizes High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to confirm active purity exceeding 98% and Mass Spectrometry (MS) to verify exact molecular weight (161.20 g/mol) and active compound concentration prior to batch release.
20mL glass vials should be stored tightly sealed in a cool, dry environment (15°C to 25°C) protected from direct sunlight, light exposure, and heat. Under controlled room temperature conditions, this solution maintains complete solubility and stability throughout its designated shelf life.
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