Guanidine Acetic Acid, also known as glycine guanidine, forms through the reaction of guanidine and acetic acid. With a molecular formula of C3H7N3O2, it appears as a crystalline solid, most often found in powder, flakes, or small crystal forms. The structure includes a guanidine group directly linked to acetic acid, bringing together the unique functionality of both. The molecular weight sits at 117.11 g/mol, solidifying its position in both industrial and research applications. Physically, it dissolves well in water, with a density of about 1.41 g/cm³, standing out for its solubility and stability under standard temperatures and pressures.
The crystal structure of Guanidine Acetic Acid releases energy during formation, reflecting the stability of its bonds. When handled as a powder, it flows like fine sugar, but it can also be processed into dense flakes, pearls, or blocks, based on storage or transport needs. Transparency shifts with purification and climate; sometimes the material shows a faintly off-white tint. The melting point hovers just below 200°C, and thermal decomposition becomes a concern at higher temperatures, reinforcing the need for proper storage away from heat. In solution, Guanidine Acetic Acid brings out its ionic nature, interacting with other molecules efficiently. This detail matters in feed and industrial applications, where purity and predictable reactivity change outcomes.
In practice, the purity of this compound defines its quality. Manufacturers often deliver specs above 98%. Water content and insoluble residues influence storage and handling, making precise measurement critical during inventory and batch usage. HS Code 2925290090 applies for customs and trade, tracking global movement and facilitating regulatory checks. The granular version pours smoothly for bulk processing, while the pearl or flake types make measurement easier in production lines. Color consistency points to process control; any yellowing flags the potential for impurities or improper drying. Every shipment gets checked for heavy metals and other unwanted elements, due to their impact on animal health and downstream chemistry.
Chemical stability sits at the core of Guanidine Acetic Acid’s widespread adoption. The compound withstands exposure to light and air without rapid breakdown, so storage requirements don’t demand elaborate controls or inert atmospheres. As a solid, accidental releases are easier to clean compared with liquids, and with proper PPE, harm to users can be minimized. Its ability to function as a raw material for creatine synthesis means the majority of production ends up in feed and supplement markets. At the same time, researchers value its use in organic reactions, protein modification, and as a nitrogen donor in specialty syntheses. The safe-handling profile changes somewhat in solution, where slips or spills on lab benches highlight the need for immediate attention, as it can irritate skin and eyes.
Every chemical brings a list of safety tasks. Guanidine Acetic Acid proves less dangerous than many industrial acids or bases. Still, ingestion or inhalation causes potential health problems, including nausea and throat irritation. Skin and eyes need protection during handling, as contact can result in redness, itching, or more severe symptoms if exposure is prolonged. Proper training walks users through the use of gloves, goggles, and face masks, especially during mixing or measuring. This compound stores best in cool, dry spaces, with containers tightly sealed to block moisture, as dissolving upsets storage stability. Waste runs through standard neutralization before entry into wastewater systems, answering both regulatory and environmental demands.
The animal feed sector absorbs most global production, as Guanidine Acetic Acid bolsters creatine levels in livestock and aquaculture diets. This boosts growth rates, feed efficiency, and marketable yields, all while falling short of the strict side-effect profile seen in some additives. Agricultural markets look eagerly toward consistent supply and high-grade material, and demand surges during feed-ingredient shortages. Pharmaceutical firms think differently, valuing the raw material’s role in synthesizing intermediates for further transformation. Creatine hydrochloride producers streamline steps and cut costs by securing Guanidine Acetic Acid of known purity and traceability. At the environmental level, safe disposal during plant shutdowns reassures both operators and nearby communities, weighing less heavily on local waste infrastructure.
Like many specialized chemicals, production and transport of Guanidine Acetic Acid depend on steady, reliable supply chains. Raw input quality varies with source, pushing buyers to lean toward certified, regularly-audited suppliers. Counterfeit or sub-spec shipments stem from cut corners in materials or inadequate process control, which in turn trigger downstream risks in animal health, product recalls, and regulatory headaches. Factories look for partners who publish full specs and batch-level certifications, reducing the odds of costly recalls or failed tests in large-batch feed runs. Local regulations shape labeling, reporting, and worker protection, shifting with every jurisdiction but commonly demanding full traceability from cargo to warehouse.
Manufacturing shifts toward greener, less wasteful processes. More firms aim to capture energy, re-cycle water, and minimize off-spec byproducts. Researchers push for alternatives that swap hazardous precursors for safer ones, or that streamline purification to lower overall emissions. High-yield crystallization and solvent-free synthesis stand out as methods that cut out both operational headaches and environmental load. For those working in chemical or animal feed industries, staying current on processes and certifications avoids costly surprises and keeps both operators and consumers safer at every step.