Description

Hercynine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative, specifically a betaine of histidine, known for its role as a precursor to ergothioneine, a powerful antioxidant. This compound is of significant interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries due to its involvement in cellular protection mechanisms against oxidative stress. Key industrial applications include its use as a high-value intermediate in the synthesis of ergothioneine for dietary supplements, advanced research in neuroprotective agents, and as a standard in analytical chemistry.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Critical precursor in the commercial synthesis of L-Ergothioneine, a clinically studied antioxidant for supplements and therapeutic formulations.
• Nutraceutical Manufacturing: Used in the production of high-purity ergothioneine for inclusion in premium dietary supplements and functional foods targeting oxidative stress.
• Biochemical Research: Serves as a key reference standard and building block in metabolic pathway studies, particularly research focused on histidine metabolism and antioxidant defense systems.
• Cosmeceutical Ingredients: Employed in the development of advanced skincare products for its role in generating stable, bioactive antioxidants that protect skin cells.
• Analytical Standard: High-purity grade used as a calibration standard in HPLC, LC-MS, and other analytical methods for quality control in related compound manufacturing.

Basic Information

Product Name	Hercynine
CAS No.	534-30-5
Molecular Formula	C9H14N3O2+
Molecular Weight	196.23 g/mol
Synonyms	Hercynine; L-Hercynine; (2S)-2-(1H-Imidazol-5-yl)-N,N,N-trimethyl-2-aminoacetate; Betaine of histidine; Histidine betaine; N-Trimethylhistidine; Thioneine precursor; Ergothioneine precursor
EINECS	208-597-2

Quality Control

Our Hercynine is manufactured under strict quality management systems. Each batch is tested to ensure high purity and consistency, with specifications tailored for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing identity, purity (by HPLC), and impurity profiles is provided with every shipment to ensure full traceability and compliance with your quality requirements.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) and light-sensitive; containers must be kept tightly sealed in a dry environment to prevent degradation and absorption of moisture.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Loss on Drying	≤ 2.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm
Related Substances (HPLC)	Total impurities ≤ 2.0%

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.