L-Cysteine hydrochloride, anhydrous is widely used as additive in food production. It is used as an antioxidant to promote fermentation and keep the flavor. It is also used in cosmetics and animal feed.
ChEBI: A hydrochloride obtained by combining L-cysteine with one molar equivalent of hydrogen chloride.
L-cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid.
NMDA glutamatergic receptor agonist that is also an agonist at AMPA glutamatergic receptors at high concentrations.
: Moderately toxic by
intraperitoneal, intravenous, and possibly
other routes. Mutation data reported. When
heated to decomposition it emits very toxic
fumes of NOx, SOx, and Cl-.
Likely impurities are cystine and tyrosine. Crystallise the salt from MeOH by adding diethyl ether, or from hot 20% HCl. Dry it under vacuum over P2O5. Hygroscopic. [Beilstein 4 III 1580, 1600.]
