In the intricate field of analytical chemistry, precise identification of molecular components is key. PTH-Leucine, with the CAS number 4399-40-0, stands out as a crucial chemical compound, particularly for its role in protein sequencing. This article delves into the properties, synthesis, and practical laboratory applications of PTH-Leucine, highlighting its importance for researchers.

PTH-Leucine is a derivative of the amino acid leucine, formed when leucine reacts with phenyl isothiocyanate. This reaction is a cornerstone of the Edman degradation method, a widely used technique for determining the primary structure of proteins. The resulting PTH-leucine molecule is a specific phenylthiohydantoin derivative that can be chromatographically separated and identified. Typically appearing as a white or off-white powder, PTH-Leucine is characterized by its high purity, often exceeding 98%, which is essential for accurate analytical results.

The synthesis of PTH-Leucine involves a controlled chemical reaction between leucine and phenyl isothiocyanate. While the precise industrial synthesis routes are proprietary to manufacturers like NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD., the fundamental chemistry is well-established. This controlled synthesis ensures the production of a consistent and reliable analytical standard. The stability of PTH-Leucine under appropriate storage conditions (typically refrigerated) is also a critical factor for its long-term usability in research.

In the laboratory, PTH-Leucine's primary application is as a reference standard in HPLC analysis during Edman degradation. When analyzing the PTH derivatives of a cleaved peptide, a known standard of PTH-Leucine is run alongside the sample. This comparison allows researchers to confidently identify any leucine residues present in the unknown peptide sequence. This accuracy is vital in fields ranging from drug discovery, where protein structure can influence efficacy, to fundamental biological research, where understanding protein function is key.

The availability of high-quality PTH-Leucine is essential for laboratories conducting protein sequencing. Its role as a chemical standard underscores the importance of specialized chemical synthesis in supporting scientific advancement. Without such reliable reagents, the detailed analysis of proteins would be significantly more challenging.

In conclusion, PTH-Leucine is a critical chemical compound whose specific properties and synthesis methods enable precise amino acid sequence analysis. Its application as a standard in the Edman degradation method solidifies its position as an indispensable tool in modern biochemical research.