DL-Phenylalanine is a racemic mixture of phenylalanine, an aromatic amino acid with antidepressant, analgesic and appetite suppressant properties. The antidepressant effect of DL-phenylalanine may be accounted for by its precursor role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine.
DL-Alanine is used in mixed ligand (chelate) studies with transition metals such as Cu(II), Zn(ll) and Cd(ll). It is a functional component in the alanine cycle which regulates the level of alanine aminotransferases which can be used as a diagnostic tool to predict type II diabetes. It is used as a model reagent for development of amino acid racemic resolution techniques.
Store in cool, dry place, in well sealed container. Store away from oxidizing agents.
