Name:L-Cystine Synonyms:L(-)-3,3'-Dithiobis(2-aminopropanoic acid); 2-Amino-3-[(2-amino-2-carboxyethyl)dithio]propanoic acid Molecular Formula:C6H12N2O4S2 Molecular Weight :240.29 CAS Registry Number:56-89-3 EINECS :200-296-3 It is described by the formula (SCH2CH(NH2)CO2H)2. It is a colorless solid, and melts at 247-249°C. It was discovered in 1810 by William Hyde Wollaston but was not recognized as a component of proteins until it was isolated from the horn of a cow in 1899. Through formation of disulfide bonds within and between protein molecules, cystine is a significant determinant of the tertiary structure of most proteins. Disulfide bonding, along with hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions is partially responsible for the formation of the gluten matrix in bread. Human hair contains approximately 5% cystine by mass. Disulfide bonds can be broken at temperatures above about 150°C, especially at low moisture levels (below about 20%) Specifications: Test Items Standard
Specific rotation Appearance of solution Ammonium Sulfate Iron Heavy metals Arsenic Other amino acids Loss on drying Sulphated ash Assay PH -215 to -225 Clarity clear, color not more intensely coloured than reference solution Y 7 Max 200ppm. Max 200ppm. Max 20ppm Max 10ppm. Max 1ppm Not detectable. Max 0.2%. Max 0.1% 98.5% to 101.0% 5.0 to 6.5