The development of peptide-based therapeutics has opened new avenues in treating a wide range of diseases. Central to this progress is the ability to synthesize complex peptides with specific biological activities and improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine, identified by its CAS number 352351-64-5, is a critical amino acid derivative that plays a significant role in peptide drug discovery and synthesis.

At its core, Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine is an Fmoc-protected amino acid utilized in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). The Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl) group serves as a temporary protecting group for the alpha-amino function. This protection is crucial because it allows for the controlled, step-wise addition of amino acids to a growing peptide chain. The Fmoc group can be easily removed under mild basic conditions, typically using piperidine, without affecting other parts of the peptide or the solid support. This orthogonality is fundamental to achieving high purity and yield in peptide synthesis, especially for long or challenging sequences. The ‘D’ configuration signifies the stereochemistry, allowing for the creation of non-natural peptides or peptidomimetics that can exhibit enhanced stability or modified biological activity compared to their naturally occurring counterparts.

The defining feature of Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine is the methyl group attached to the meta-position of the phenyl ring in the phenylalanine side chain. This structural modification is deliberately incorporated by researchers to fine-tune the properties of the resultant peptide. The methyl group can alter the peptide’s conformation, hydrophobicity, and its interaction with biological targets, such as receptors or enzymes. These subtle yet significant changes are vital for optimizing a peptide’s therapeutic potential. In peptide drug discovery, this allows for detailed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, where modifications are systematically made to enhance potency, selectivity, and metabolic stability. When scientists choose to buy this compound, they are seeking a tool to precisely engineer these characteristics.

The sourcing of high-quality Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine is paramount for successful peptide synthesis and drug discovery. Reputable manufacturers and suppliers, many of whom are based in China, offer this specialty chemical in high-purity grades, typically exceeding 97% as confirmed by HPLC analysis. The CAS number 352351-64-5 is the standard identifier for this compound, ensuring accurate procurement. Reliable suppliers provide critical documentation like Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to guarantee the purity and consistency of their products, which directly impacts the outcome of complex synthesis projects. Investing in quality materials from trusted sources ensures that the price paid is justified by the performance and reliability of the chemical.

The applications of Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine are extensive in the field of drug discovery. It is used in the synthesis of peptide libraries for screening potential drug candidates, in the development of peptidomimetics, and in the creation of peptides with improved pharmacological properties. The ability to introduce specific modifications through amino acid derivatives like this one allows researchers to overcome challenges such as rapid degradation or poor bioavailability often associated with peptide therapeutics. Its role as a research chemical underscores its importance in advancing our understanding of biological processes and developing novel therapeutic strategies.

In conclusion, Fmoc-D-3-Methylphenylalanine is an indispensable amino acid derivative for peptide drug discovery and synthesis. Its robust Fmoc protection strategy, combined with the functional influence of the meta-methyl substituted phenylalanine side chain, empowers researchers to design and create peptides with tailored properties. By partnering with reliable suppliers and ensuring the quality of this essential chemical building block, the scientific community can continue to innovate and develop next-generation peptide-based medicines.