Sarcosine (CAS 107-97-1): N-Methylglycine Chemistry from Personal-Care Surfactants to Peptide Synthesis
Sarcosine (N-methylglycine) is a natural amino acid intermediate of choline and creatine metabolism, and one of the few amino acids whose industrial derivatives combine mildness with strong foaming. Its acylated salts — the sarcosinates — are valued in personal-care formulations, while the free acid and its esters serve as bifunctional building blocks in synthesis and as osmolyte-like additives in bioprocess media.
Chemical Identity and Key Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 107-97-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C3H7NO2 |
| Molecular Weight | 89.05 g/mol |
| Solubility | greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 61 °F (NTP, 1992) |
| Typical Purity | 98% |
| Appearance | powder or crystals |
Surfactant and Formulation Chemistry
Fatty acyl sarcosinates (lauroyl, cocoyl, stearoyl) are anionic surfactants known for foam quality, mildness to skin and eyes, and compatibility across pH ranges. They appear in premium shampoos, facial cleansers, and syndet bars, often paired with sulfate-free formulation strategies.
Sarcosine derivatives also function as corrosion inhibitors and as antistatic and softening agents in textile and leather processing.
Biological and Research Context
As an endogenous metabolite formed in choline-to-glycine conversion and creatine breakdown, sarcosine is a standard component of defined culture media and appears in clinical biomarker panels. In enzyme chemistry it serves as a substrate for sarcosine oxidase in coupled-assay designs used for creatinine determination.
Synthesis Applications
The secondary amine plus carboxylate pairing supports N-acylation, ester formation, and use as a chiral pool adjunct; sarcosine anhydride and N-protected derivatives are routine commodities in peptide and medicinal chemistry programs.
Quality and Supply Considerations
Typical catalog purity is ≥98% with optical purity and low ash emphasized for biochemical use; heavy-metal and microbiological specifications apply to personal-care end use. The material is hygroscopic — sealed packaging with desiccant storage preserves flowability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What purity do formulators typically require?
≥98% for industrial surfactant intermediate use; higher biochemical grades with endotoxin and heavy-metal controls support research applications.
Is sarcosine supplied as the free acid or as salts?
Both forms exist; the free acid (CAS 107-97-1) is standard for synthesis use, while sodium and other salts relate to surfactant manufacturing.
Can CoreyChem supply sarcosine derivatives?
Yes — N-acyl sarcosines, esters, and related derivatives can be custom synthesized at various scales with COA documentation.
Source from CoreyChem
CoreyChem supplies Sarcosine (CAS 107-97-1) with lot-specific COA and MSDS documentation. Custom synthesis, higher purity grades, and bulk packaging are available on request — contact our technical team with your target specification and quantity for current lead time and pricing.