Metabolites and small molecules
Glutathione
Glutathione (GSH) is the tripeptide γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiol in animal cells.
- TypeSmall molecule
- FormulaC10H17N3O6S
- Average mass307.32 g/mol
- CAS70-18-8
- Vesta listings2
Reference page for laboratory use · updated 2026-10-30
Overview
Glutathione at a glance
Glutathione has an unusual γ-peptide bond between glutamate and cysteine and exists in a reduced form (GSH) and an oxidised dimer (GSSG). Its biochemistry is the subject of classic reviews, for example in the Annual Review of Biochemistry.
It is used in the laboratory as a reducing agent, as an enzyme cofactor and as a reference thiol.
Structure
The formula of reduced glutathione is C10H17N3O6S. The oxidised form GSSG is a disulfide dimer of about 612.6 Da.
Identity
Identity data
| Name | Glutathione |
|---|---|
| Also written as | GSH, L-γ-Glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine |
| Type | Small molecule |
| Research area | Metabolites and small molecules |
| Molecular formula | C10H17N3O6S |
| Monoisotopic mass | 307.0838 Da |
| Average molecular weight | 307.32 g/mol |
| CAS number | 70-18-8, 106272-20-2 |
| PubChem record | CID 124886 |
The formula comes from the PubChem record; monoisotopic mass is calculated from the formula and the average mass uses standard atomic weights. Reference data retrieved on 2026-10-30. Compare these values with the batch certificate of analysis, using the compound identity file template.
Expected values
Mass spectrometry reference
Ions calculated from the monoisotopic mass 307.0838 Da. Use them to check an LC-MS result; for larger peptides the instrument usually reports a deconvoluted mass close to 307.3 Da instead.
| Ion | m/z |
|---|---|
| [M+H]+ | 308.0911 |
| [M+Na]+ | 330.0730 |
| [M+K]+ | 346.0470 |
Read the guide to average and monoisotopic mass for how these values are calculated.
Quality
Analytical notes for batch documents
- Check that the COA states whether the material is the reduced or oxidised form and what percentage of GSSG is present.
- Thiols oxidise in air; the amount of GSSG can increase with storage time.
- The molecular weight of a vial of powder includes counter-ions and water; the share of the powder that is peptide is the net peptide content.
Terms used on this page: Disulfide bond.
Vesta listings
Glutathione formats and prices
| Product | Per vial | SKU | Price per kit | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glutathione | 600 mg | GTT600 | $48.51 | $4.85 |
| Glutathione | 1500 mg | GTT1500 | $82.09 | $8.21 |
Prices are per kit of 10 vials in US dollars. Shipping is paid by the customer and is shown in the cart. Volume savings of 5 %, 8 % and 10 % apply from $350.00, $600.00 and $1,000.00. See the full price list.
Published literature
Selected scientific literature
Bibliographic details were read from PubMed on 2026-10-30. The papers are listed for scientific reference; Vesta makes no claim about the use of its research materials in people or animals.
- GlutathioneMeister A, Anderson ME · Annu Rev Biochem · 1983 · PMID 6137189
- Glutathione metabolismMeister A · Methods Enzymol · 1995 · PMID 7651209
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is Glutathione?
Glutathione (GSH) is the tripeptide γ-L-glutamyl-L-cysteinylglycine, the most abundant low-molecular-weight thiol in animal cells.
What is the molecular weight of Glutathione?
Glutathione has the formula C10H17N3O6S, an average molecular weight of 307.32 g/mol and a monoisotopic mass of 307.0838 Da. A salt form, a different counter-ion or a metal complex changes the molecular weight printed on a certificate of analysis, so compare like with like.
How can I check the identity of a batch of Glutathione?
Compare the intact mass measured by LC-MS with the expected values on this page, for example [M+Na]+ at m/z 330.0730. Confirm that one main HPLC peak carries that mass and that the batch code on the report matches the vial. The guides on mass spectrometry and on certificates of analysis explain each step.
Which Glutathione products does Vesta list?
Vesta lists 2 products for Glutathione: 600 mg, 1500 mg per vial in kits of 10 vials. Prices are shown per kit in US dollars, and shipping is paid by the customer.