5-Oxo-DL-Proline, sometimes recognized in laboratories as DL-pyroglutamic acid, stands out as an organic compound used across chemical industries and research institutions. Folks working in biochemistry and manufacturing appreciate its place in the glutamine family, connecting to how amino acids shape metabolic pathways and protein construction. My own experiences with this material in a small laboratory setting highlighted just how much the clarity of data about physical and chemical characteristics helps users stay safe and get predictable results.
With a molecular formula of C5H7NO3, 5-Oxo-DL-Proline features a five-membered ring structure notable for a ketone at the fifth carbon. Its molecular weight sits at 129.11 g/mol. The crystalline form demonstrates solid, almost glossy facets under strong light, and the arrangement of atoms reveals how the substance fits into peptide chemistry. The structure holds relevance because scientists look for consistency in reactions; subtle changes can shift reaction yield or even the safety profile. Packing and storing the raw powder or flakes in airtight containers ensures no environmental moisture alters its molecular stability.
Materials experts often describe 5-Oxo-DL-Proline as white or off-white crystalline powder, though I have seen variants more granular, resembling small pearls or flakes. Handling it shows delicate, dry particles that flow easily—unless humidity sneaks in, which turns the powder clumpy and increases risks during weighing and transfer. Density hovers around 1.5 g/cm3, firm enough for most solid-sonication methods, and soluble enough for quick integration into aqueous solutions. This physical profile matters in every-day lab life, as knowing what to expect from touch, sight, and handling makes workflow smoother, helps with accurate dosing, and limits unnecessary waste.
As someone who’s compared batches from different suppliers, it isn’t hard to tell that 5-Oxo-DL-Proline adapts to multiple forms. Bulk material often arrives as fine, crystalline solid or slightly larger flakes. Some manufacturers supply pearl-shaped granules aiming to reduce dust dispersal, an obvious advantage for safety. Transitioning between powder and solution doesn’t need force, but proper mixing avoids agglomeration—a lesson anyone who’s tried to dissolve it too quickly discovers. Physical consistency matters for storage and measurement; loose powder tends to float up, pearls settle easier, and the crystal form stacks well without compressing.
In the chemical trade, 5-Oxo-DL-Proline gets tagged as a flexible intermediate. I’ve seen it used in peptide synthesis protocols, pharmaceutical research, and some polymer applications. Its slightly acidic property with a pKa around 2.3 means the compound has predictable behavior in solution—an edge during buffer preparation or when aiming for precise pH in biochemical assays. The chemical reacts gently at room temperature, preserving safety if accidental spills happen. Factories using it as a raw material keep close watch on container integrity and environmental controls to avoid product degradation or loss. Its role as a building block makes it prized for scaling up complex reactions that need clear, predictable input.
Buyers, chemists, and workers in logistics care about purity—typical specs run at 98% or higher, as small impurities throw off certain experiments. My practice taught me that packaging must stand up to transport challenges. Solid 5-Oxo-DL-Proline ships in multi-layer, sealed bags, then stored in drums kept cool and dry. For those who require a solution, concentration ranges sit around 10–20% by weight per liter of water, and solutions arrive in labelled, shatter-resistant containers. Inventory must receive routine inspection because clumping or discoloration flags possible exposure or chemical breakdown. Proper handling depends on gloves and goggles, and on awareness of exposure limits. Spills should be cleaned right away, before fine dust spreads.
Customs authorities and importers tag this material under HS code 293499, fitting it into the “other heterocyclic compounds” category. From my experience with shipments, paperwork accuracy helps prevent border delays or costly rerouting. Regulators ask for detailed labeling, traceability on batch numbers, and proof of compliance with hazard communication standards. The right documentation builds trust between producer, shipper, and end user, especially in high-stakes fields such as pharma and advanced chemicals.
Classified mainly as a low-hazard chemical, 5-Oxo-DL-Proline doesn’t pose acute toxicity at typical exposure levels, but dust inhalation or skin contact may irritate sensitive individuals. Material Safety Data Sheets recommend protective gear—including gloves and eye protection—especially in larger-scale operations or during transfer from bulk to smaller containers. Ventilation systems and dust masks bring peace of mind in busy labs. Common-sense caution—keeping material away from food or drink, thorough washing after handling, and correct disposal—prevents most mishaps. Factory protocols demand safe storage, marked with hazard symbols so nobody mistakes the raw material’s nature.
Knowing these details keeps operations smooth and people out of harm’s way. I have worked with green chemists who stress that solid knowledge about properties—like density, molecular weight, solubility, or form—maps directly to good outcomes, safe workspaces, and less waste. Suppliers sharing up-to-date, transparent data make things easier at every stage, from purchasing to benchwork to disposal. Gaps in facts force workers into guesswork, which no one needs when handling chemicals.
Solutions that work start with honest, thorough labeling from suppliers, accessible, readable safety data, and training for handlers on the unique qualities of 5-Oxo-DL-Proline. Developing habits of careful weighing, working with fine scales, and checking for moisture right before use leads to success and keeps labs running lean. Digital inventory logs ensure no one loses track of expiry or batch traceability. Building a culture that values up-front sharing of all chemical properties—handling, risks, and best-fit applications—raises standards for both end users and producers, putting everyone in a safer, smarter position.
