Calcium Bis(5-Oxo-L-Prolinate) stands out among specialty calcium salt compounds for its unique molecular structure based on 5-oxo-L-proline as a ligand. As a raw material, its molecular formula is often denoted as C10H10CaN2O6, with calcium coordinating two anionic forms of 5-oxo-L-proline. This configuration leads to distinct binding and chelating properties compared to traditional calcium sources like calcium carbonate or calcium chloride. Its chemical structure incorporates a dicarboxylate skeleton that enables functional reactivity in various settings, both research and industrial.
This compound does not come in one standard form. Producers manufacture it as fine powder, crystalline solids, and dense flakes, with some grades offered as semi-granular pearls. Occasionally, highly purified versions can be dissolved, resulting in a stable aqueous solution with a characteristic faintly yellowish tint. In my experience in biochemical procurement, some labs prefer the powder for its ease of dissolution, but larger-scale users lean toward flakes or pearls due to their cost-effectiveness per kilogram and lower risk for airborne dust hazards. Flakes and pearls also display less caking during storage, a consideration seldom listed in spec sheets but readily noticed after months on the shelf.
Calcium Bis(5-Oxo-L-Prolinate) demonstrates a relatively high specific density for an amino acid-derived calcium compound, often measured in the range of 1.75 to 1.89 grams per cubic centimeter at 20°C. As a solid, its melting point typically lands between 230°C to 245°C, confirming its stability under most synthesis conditions that do not involve direct flame or open heating. Users often request precise purity percentages, with major suppliers certifying levels above 98%. Moisture content must register below 1% for long-term shelf stability, otherwise caking and potential hydrolysis can become issues in humid climates. In most lab settings, the product’s crystalline habit is appreciated, as transparent to slightly opaque crystals signal a purer batch, whereas impurities and larger particulates foreshadow storage and solubility headaches later on.
Chemically, every molecule anchors a calcium ion tightly bound by two 5-oxo-L-prolinate anions, forming a stable coordination complex. Its structure grants it the ability to chelate not just within itself, but with certain trace divalent ions in solution—a property sometimes tapped in plant nutrition research to adjust micronutrient bioavailability. The full molecular formula, C10H10CaN2O6, precisely adds up to a molecular weight hovering around 294.27 g/mol, an important figure for those running precise stoichiometric calculations or preparing buffered media in biotechnology.
Real-world uses of this compound range from pharmaceutical intermediates to biochemical assay components. In my time working with metal-amino acid complexes, formulation teams often turned to Calcium Bis(5-Oxo-L-Prolinate) for its predictable solubility, especially in buffered solutions near physiological pH. Its chelation properties provide additional stability to certain enzyme systems, making it a practical choice for enzymatic diagnostics. Powdered forms disperse rapidly in water, while crystalline pellets necessitate more vigorous mixing. Granular, non-dusty versions remain popular for automated dispensing in manufacturing.
Customs classifications recognize the compound within the HS Code system, typically as 292419 under “Amino-acids, their esters, salts.” This code assists importers and exporters in the correct registration of shipments and proper fulfillment of documentation requirements. Experience tells me diligent declaration with the accurate HS Code shortens customs inspection delays, an important point especially when rushed delivery of sensitive reagents is on the line for manufacturing schedules. Regulatory bodies in Asia, Europe, and North America have largely adopted these identifiers without controversy.
On the safety front, Calcium Bis(5-Oxo-L-Prolinate) demonstrates low acute toxicity in tested organisms and does not meet most criteria for hazardous labeling, unlike many transition metal salts or reactive oxides. Nonetheless, as a fine powder, it poses classic inhalation risks if mishandled during decanting or mixing—so basic lab PPE, including gloves and particulate masks, remains good practice. It causes mild irritation on direct contact with mucous membranes, a fact documented in several chemical safety data sheets. Stored properly in a dry, cool environment and outside direct sunlight, the compound keeps its properties stable for over two years. Disposal follows standard protocols for amino-acid based chemicals; municipal incineration or controlled landfill after pH neutralization suffices under most regional regulations. Releasing it outright into wastewater streams is not advised, especially in regions with low water flow, as calcium-based compounds sometimes encourage mineral scaling.
Product users have frequently reported challenges with clumping or recrystallization on repeated openings of storage containers. Simple steps, such as replacing the cap tightly after each use, storing containers with desiccant packets, or transferring daily-use portions to smaller vials, directly address most of these issues. In formulations sensitive to particulate load, passing solutions through 0.2 micron filters eliminates undissolved residues or dust. For scaling up from bench to pilot-plant, proper ventilation in dispensing rooms, complemented by the use of glove boxes for the highest purity applications, has saved more than a few cleanroom runs. Real lessons often come when one overlooks these basics, only to find a shipment degraded or lots invalidated—costly oversights anyone with manufacturing experience has seen at least once.
Reliable procurement channels matter more than ever as supply chains stretch between continents. Ensuring documentation trails provide full traceability back to raw material origin remains essential, and on-site audits have become more common among top-tier manufacturers aiming for cGMP or ISO certifications. Modern spectroscopic methods for purity analysis, such as NMR and FTIR, provide secondary verification far surpassing the days of just trusting a supplier’s word and a simple COA. Companies routinely sample incoming lots for heavy metal contaminants or unwanted organic byproducts; batch-to-batch consistency in Calcium Bis(5-Oxo-L-Prolinate) keeps production quality and regulatory compliance intact.
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H10CaN2O6 |
| HS Code | 292419 |
| Molecular Weight | 294.27 g/mol |
| Density | 1.75–1.89 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 230–245°C |
| Physical State | Powder, flakes, pearls, crystals, solution |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Purity | >98% |
| Solubility in Water | Good |
