Acetylcysteine is the N-acetyl derivative of the naturally occurring amino acid L-cysteine.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is L-α-acetamido-β-mercaptopropionic acid. Empirical Formula: C5H9NO3S. Molecular Weight: 163.2. Appearance: White or faintly ivory crystals or crystalline powder, with light sulfur odour and slightly saline taste.