The intricate world of organic chemistry offers a plethora of compounds that serve as the bedrock for technological and medical advancements. Among these, 5-Benzyl L-Glutamate N-Carboxyanhydride (CAS 3190-71-4) stands out due to its unique structure and reactivity, making it a vital component in specialized chemical synthesis, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. This article aims to dissect the key chemical compound properties and applications that make this molecule so indispensable.

The molecular formula of 5-Benzyl L-Glutamate N-Carboxyanhydride is C13H13NO5, with a molecular weight of approximately 263.25 g/mol. Physically, it typically presents as a white to off-white powder. Its melting point is often cited in the range of 97-98 °C, though commercial specifications may allow for a slightly broader range like 85-95 °C to accommodate variations in purity and crystal structure. The density is reported around 1.293 g/cm³, and its index of refraction is approximately 1.540. These physical characteristics are crucial for handling, storage, and process design in chemical manufacturing.


The true value of 5-Benzyl L-Glutamate N-Carboxyanhydride lies in its chemical reactivity. As an N-carboxyanhydride (NCA), it is susceptible to ring-opening reactions initiated by nucleophiles such as amines and alcohols. This reactivity is foundational to its primary use as an intermediate in the synthesis of Glatiramer acetate. The NCA group readily forms peptide bonds upon reaction with amine groups, a process essential for building the polypeptide chains characteristic of Glatiramer acetate. This specific reactivity profile is what makes it such a sought-after Glatiramer acetate intermediate manufacturer’s choice.


Furthermore, the compound exhibits specific optical activity, with a reported range of -16º to -12º. This chirality is significant, as the stereochemistry of amino acid derivatives is often critical for the biological activity of the final pharmaceutical product. Maintaining this specific configuration is a key challenge and a testament to the precision required in its production. Chemical synthesis processes must carefully control conditions to preserve this stereochemical integrity, ensuring the compound meets the demanding standards of pharmaceutical applications.


The consistent quality and detailed understanding of these chemical properties are paramount for any pharmaceutical intermediate chemical supplier. High purity, typically exceeding 98.0% as determined by HPLC, is rigorously maintained. The compound's stability in solution can be limited, necessitating careful handling and storage conditions, often recommended as cool and dry environments, or under inert atmosphere. These considerations are part of the broader landscape of specialty chemical sourcing, where understanding the intrinsic nature of each compound is key to successful integration into manufacturing workflows.


In summary, 5-Benzyl L-Glutamate N-Carboxyanhydride is a sophisticated chemical entity whose well-defined properties, particularly its NCA functionality and chirality, make it indispensable for specialized synthesis. Its role in creating Glatiramer acetate and its potential in advanced polymer chemistry underscore its importance. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD. recognizes the critical nature of these properties and is dedicated to supplying this high-quality intermediate to the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, facilitating groundbreaking research and development.