Sodium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate stands out in the world of raw materials as a distinct amino acid derivative. Recognized by its molecular formula C5H6NNaO3, this compound has a unique structure that features a sodium ion paired with proline modified by a keto group at the fifth position. The result is a molecule combining hydrophilic and ionic character, which makes it compatible with water and various aqueous solutions. As far as appearances go, it usually shows up as a white to off-white solid, often seen in the form of fine powder, crystals, or sometimes as larger, flaky granules, depending on the manufacturing route and subsequent processing. Identification purposes sometimes rely on its CAS number 4521-33-3 and HS Code 2924190090, both essential for customs, handling, and international trading.
Sodium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate typically appears as a highly soluble solid. Solubility ensures fast dispersion in water and many solvents, leading to clear solutions even at relatively high concentrations. Its property as a salt increases melting point compared to non-salinated amino acids, lending extra stability in process conditions that require robust raw materials. On touching the product, it feels smooth, like many crystalline powders, and when pressed between fingers, will not clump or stick due to its low oil content. The typical density hovers around 1.4 g/cm³, which means a liter of this solid, when measured out, weighs significantly more than common organic powders. This matters for dosing, storage, and safe bulk handling. As for color, you usually won’t find any impurity-based discoloration; food or pharma-grade quality standards demand near-perfect purity.
On the molecular level, the core consists of a five-membered proline ring, altered at the 5-position to hold an oxo group. Sodium links with the negatively-charged carboxylate, stabilizing the system and enhancing solubility. These details affect how the material blends into different formulations. Powdered form sees use in dry mixes, while crystalline or “flake” types may dissolve more slowly but offer better flow properties for industrial scale-up. Some suppliers offer this substance as small pearls or granules, which cut down on air dusting and inhalation risks—a real benefit in large-scale plants. Liquid solutions, typically standardized for concentration, give formulators a way to skip weighing and accelerate batch preparation, provided that the solution’s density and concentration are tightly controlled.
A good batch meets minimum assay requirements, usually over 98%, with minimal heavy metals or particulates. Moisture content should sit below 1% to avoid caking. Storage conditions require sealed packaging to block out moisture and oxygen, which could otherwise degrade the compound. As a solid, shelf life can stretch quite far, provided humidity is kept out. Density—speaking in practical terms—affects anything from bag sizes to dosing mechanisms inside a production facility. Every plant operations technician I've worked with checks bulk density and flowability data before integrating a new supply stream. These numbers help prevent bulk bridging in silos and guarantee clean transfer from hoppers to mixers.
Many chemicals demand careful respect, and Sodium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate presents a relatively low hazard compared to harsher material, but handling practices still matter. Contact with skin is generally not a big problem, though using gloves and goggles works as a smart precaution. Dust inhalation, especially in poorly ventilated areas, might cause irritation or coughing; keeping air extraction running and using dust-masks reduces this risk. On the chemical reactivity side, the compound does not act as an oxidizer, reducer, or explosive under normal storage. Cleanup of spills, in practice, comes down to sweeping up solids and rinsing the area. For transport and customs, this compound doesn’t require dangerous goods labelling (based on present knowledge), but always check regulatory updates. Disposal should follow established protocols for amino acid derivatives—never dump into drains or the environment unchecked, since long-term effects on water or soil biology remain under-researched.
Consistency makes all the difference, especially in industries relying on pure and uniform inputs for pharmaceuticals or specialty foods. Supply chains for Sodium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate usually draw from established chemical manufacturers using controlled fermentation or synthetic routes. This helps keep batch-to-batch variation as low as possible. Practically every purchasing manager I’ve known inspects origin certificates, allergen risk statements, and GMP status before approving a new vendor. Advanced labs perform batch COA checks, looking for molecular integrity using infrared or NMR methods—nothing gets to the production room floor without that assurance. Bulk buyers, especially outside North America and the EU, often add an extra level of backward traceability, tracking the production line from mother liquor through drying and sieving, ensuring material identity and absence of unwanted contaminants.
Sodium 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate plays a role in several branches of manufacturing. In the cosmetic space, it helps stabilize moisture content in creams and serums, acting as a humectant thanks to its hydrophilic backbone. In nutraceuticals, some research points to metabolic involvement, making it a candidate for energizing formulations. The pharmaceutical sector includes this compound as an intermediate or buffer in certain synthesis pathways, demanding high-purity, low-endotoxin grades for safe outcomes. Technical applications range from stabilizing additives in detergent blends to pH adjustment in specialized industrial settings—each use case puts unique demands on purity, form, and reactivity. Trends suggest a rise in demand for “clean label” raw materials, and molecules like this one, sourced under controlled production, help fill that market gap.
High-quality sourcing and proper handling form the backbone of safe and effective raw material use. Innovations in packaging now reduce the risk of cross-contamination and dust emissions, employing liner bags with one-way valves or rigid drums with vacuum sealing. Some teams have shifted toward real-time quality data uploads, letting clients check COAs before delivery. Lab investment in near-infrared fingerprinting speeds identity checks, shortening receipt-to-release times inside production plants. For producers interested in sustainability, efforts to minimize water and solvent use during manufacture offer both cost and ecological relief. More widespread sharing of up-to-date safety data sheets helps frontline workers stay confident and safe on the job, too. If there’s one thing that stands out in my years around specialty chemicals, it’s the value of collaboration—between buyers, producers, and handlers—to deliver consistent and risk-mitigated raw materials, tailored to real-world needs and backed at every turn by solid, transparent data.
