Glutamine: Properties, Structure, and Material Specifications

What Is Glutamine?

Glutamine stands out as a key amino acid, essential in biochemistry and industrial processes, recognized for its molecular formula C₅H₁₀N₂O₃ and a molar mass of about 146.15 g/mol. This white crystalline solid can show up as powder, flakes, or pearls, depending on how it’s manufactured and processed. The structure includes an amino group and a side chain with an extra amide, giving it unique chemical properties. Many people in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries depend on the detailed understanding of its structure, which looks like a four-carbon chain with a terminal amide group, chemically known as 2-amino-4-carbamoylbutanoic acid. Glutamine in its pure form is odorless and has a specific, mild taste, a property that lets it blend into many foods and supplements without altering overall flavor and mouthfeel. This feature underpins its popularity in both industrial and consumer markets, proving its value far beyond simple nutrition.

Product Forms and Physical Properties

In the marketplace, glutamine appears mostly as a white or nearly white crystalline powder with low bulk density and easy flow characteristics. The density sits around 1.46 g/cm³, which matters when it comes to transport, storage, and blending with other raw materials. Flakes and pearls show up often in bulk applications, providing easy handling and measuring advantages. When dissolved in water, glutamine creates a clear, nearly colorless solution, which allows for precise dosing in laboratory and industrial applications. Solubility levels reach about 35 grams per liter at room temperature. Crystalline forms offer high purity, critical for pharmaceutical-grade requirements, and provide consistent behavior in finished products, such as injectables, powders for drinks, or direct food supplementation. Manufacturers and lab technicians can count on its predictable melting point, about 185°C (under decomposition), and stability under typical storage conditions.

Chemical Properties and Hazards

Glutamine’s chemical stability means it can handle moderate heat and typical atmospheric exposure, holding up well when shipped or stored in sealed containers, away from light and extreme moisture. In terms of hazard classification, glutamine presents low risk in most handling scenarios found in food, pharmaceutical, or supplement production. It doesn't fall under acute toxicity or environmental hazard categories in mainstream global safety systems. The HS Code for glutamine, usually 29241900, supports compliance with international trade rules and customs documentation, helping companies move product across borders with clear labeling and records. Despite its solid safety record, users should always wear minimal protective equipment, including gloves and routine dust protection, since fine powders can irritate mucous membranes if inhaled or handled carelessly in large quantities.

Molecular Structure and Solutions

At the atomic level, glutamine’s amide functional group stands out, allowing for wide reactivity in organic synthesis and food chemistry. In aqueous solutions, the molecule behaves neutrally, with the amino group accepting protons at physiological pH and the carboxyl group releasing them. This property supports stable behavior in both acidic and basic environments, adding to its usefulness as a raw material for further chemical manufacturing, as well as for research and laboratory protocols. When dissolved, manufacturers need to pay attention to pH and ionic strength in solutions, as these factors influence solubility and stability. In high-purity, crystal-clear solutions, glutamine moves seamlessly into intravenous formulations under the strictest quality-control measures. Moisture-sensitive packaging stops degradation and maintains the molecule’s integrity until the point of use.

Applications and Handling as a Raw Material

Glutamine serves as a cornerstone raw material across a broad range of sectors. In the dietary supplement industry, producers look for high purity and water solubility to maximize bioavailability and ease of mixing, whether for sports nutrition powders or fortification in processed foods. In pharmaceuticals, injectable and oral forms require consistent density, carrier compatibility, and strict adherence to molecular quality, given that the compound directly influences metabolic pathways linked to nitrogen transport in the body. For animal nutrition, bulk forms such as flakes or coarse crystals simplify automated dispensing into feed mixes. On the industrial side, those working with glutamine integrate it into fermentation media, specialty polymers, and as an intermediate in producing more complex drugs and proteins. Safe storage and material handling rely on dry, cool, and well-ventilated environments, using non-reactive containers to avoid cross-contamination or moisture pickup.

Safety Considerations and Hazard Analysis

While the inherent risks of glutamine are low under normal handling, operators in manufacturing or research settings shouldn’t overlook good laboratory and industrial hygiene. Fine dust, if generated during transfer or blending, can irritate eyes or the respiratory tract, so local exhaust ventilation or dust masks limit unnecessary exposure. Direct chemical incompatibility is rare and mostly limited to strong acids, bases, or oxidizers in high concentrations. Disposal requires following local chemical waste guidelines, not because of toxicity but to prevent unnecessary contamination of water supplies or sensitive ecosystems. Every container or drum must feature clear hazard labeling according to the Globally Harmonized System (GHS), with updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) on hand for emergency scenarios. Routine training and spill-prevention initiatives round out best practices, ensuring safety across warehouses, labs, and production floors.

Addressing Glutamine Market Challenges

Quality assurance remains a major focus, with supply chains demanding verifiable purity, correct HS Code assignment, and careful documentation of production batches. Counterfeit or misrepresented chemical raw materials have been a growing concern in global trade. Robust supplier audits and third-party laboratory validation combat this risk, safeguarding consumers and industrial buyers alike. Sustainable production methods are now driving investments, with companies exploring fermentation processes that rely on renewable raw feedstocks, reducing both environmental footprint and cost variability.

Summary Specifications of Glutamine

Glutamine, with a straightforward molecular formula C₅H₁₀N₂O₃, meets strict density, solubility, purity, and safety benchmarks demanded by fast-moving industries. Its stable crystalline and powdered forms fit seamlessly into food, pharma, and chemical applications. A low-hazard profile, combined with precise material documentation (including the international HS Code 29241900), smooths import, export, and regulatory compliance. These characteristics not only foster innovation but also set the stage for safe, responsible, and efficient use of this versatile raw material in countless end products.