L-tryptophan is a high-grade reagent supplied by Micromaster. Few other chemical names used to denote this reagent include, Ardeydorm, Ardeytropin, Levotryptophan and Tryptophane. It contains an -amino group, an -carboxylic acid group, and a side chain indole, making it a non-polar aromatic amino acid. It is available in the form of a white to yellowish solid which is odourless. It is soluble in water. It is stable if stored according to the recommended conditions. If exposed to excessive heat or in case of burning, it can generate hazardous decomposition products like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. It is incompatible with strong oxidising agents. It is slightly hazardous in case of contact with skin, inhalation or ingestion.

• CAS No. 73-22-3
• Quantity provided: 25 g/pack
• Molecular formula: C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂
• Molecular weight: 204.229 g/mol

Tryptophan along with other amino acids, is used as building blocks in protein biosynthesis. Many animals (including humans) cannot synthesize tryptophan: they need to obtain it through their diet, making it an essential amino acid. For instance, tryptophan and tyrosine residues play special roles in "anchoring" membrane proteins within the cell membrane. Fructose malabsorption is a disorder which causes improper absorption of tryptophan in the intestine, reduced levels of tryptophan in the blood and depression. Tryptophan is an important intrinsic fluorescent probe, which can be used to estimate the nature of the microenvironment around the tryptophan residue.