GLUTAMIC ACID- ▸ Flavor chemistry: Parent acid for monosodium glutamate flavor enhancer.
- ▸ Food flavoring: Flavoring ingredient in food.
- ▸ Nutritional supplement: Amino-acid ingredient.
- ▸ Synthesis raw material: Feedstock for peptide and pharmaceutical synthesis.
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →L-Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) is a dicarboxylic alpha-amino acid (C5H9NO4) and the parent acid of the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate. It is used as a food flavoring ingredient, as a nutritional supplement, and as a raw material in peptide and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 200-293-7
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is L-Glutamic Acid used for?
L-Glutamic Acid (CAS 56-86-0) is a dicarboxylic alpha-amino acid and the parent acid of the flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate. It is used as a food flavoring ingredient, as a nutritional amino-acid input, and as a feedstock for peptide and pharmaceutical synthesis.
Is L-Glutamic Acid the same as MSG?
No, but they are directly related. L-Glutamic acid is the free acid; monosodium glutamate (MSG) is its sodium salt. The acid is the parent compound from which MSG is produced.
Is L-Glutamic Acid an acid?
Yes. It is a dicarboxylic (two-carboxyl-group) alpha-amino acid, which is why it functions as the parent acid for glutamate salts and as an acidic flavoring component.
What is the CAS number, formula, and HS code?
CAS 56-86-0, formula C5H9NO4, HS 2922.42 (glutamic acid and its salts). This is the FCC base (free-acid) grade; lot-specific CoA and SDS are available on request.
What bulk packaging and order quantities are available?
It is distributed as an FCC food-grade ingredient in bulk packaging for manufacturing. Submit your target volume and documentation needs through a bulk RFQ for current pricing, pack sizes, and lead time.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of L-Glutamic Acid (Glutamic Acid)?
L-Glutamic Acid (Glutamic Acid) (CAS 56-86-0) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 200-293-7).