Applications
L-Cysteine is used as a precursor in food, pharmaceutical and personal care products. It is actively involved in the production of flavors such as meat flavor obtained by reacting with sugars. Also used for the cleavage of disulfide bonds in the hair′s keratin. It plays an important role as a key raw material for the manufacture of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine and L-cysteine base. Its derivative, N-acetyl-L-cysteine is used as a dietary supplement. It acts as an antidote to acetaminophen overdose and prevents liver failure. It protects nerves from oxidation and thereby prevents illnesses like Alzheimer′s and Parkinson′s. Being an essential amino acid, it used as animal feed especially for sheep, which is responsible the growth of wool.

Solubility
Soluble in water, alcohol, acetic acid and aqueous ammonia. Insoluble in ether, acetone, ethyl acetate, benzene, carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride

Notes
Air sensitive. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.