The field of biochemistry and drug discovery is continually advancing, with a growing emphasis on the use of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) to create novel biomolecules with enhanced or entirely new properties. Among these, Boc-D-2-CN-phe, or Boc-D-2-Cyanophenylalanine (CAS: 261380-28-3), stands out as a particularly versatile building block. Its unique chemical structure, combining the Boc protecting group with a cyano-substituted phenyl ring in a D-configuration, makes it a valuable tool for researchers across various disciplines.

Why Unnatural Amino Acids Matter

Unnatural amino acids offer advantages over their naturally occurring counterparts by introducing diversity into peptides and proteins. This can lead to improved metabolic stability, altered receptor binding affinities, enhanced enzymatic resistance, or novel functionalities. For pharmaceutical applications, UAAs are critical for developing peptides with therapeutic potential, creating advanced drug delivery systems, and designing small molecule inhibitors.

Boc-D-2-CN-phe: A Closer Look

Boc-D-2-Cyanophenylalanine is a prime example of a UAA that significantly expands the scope of chemical synthesis. Its key features include:

  • Boc Protection: The tert-butyloxycarbonyl group provides reliable protection for the amine functionality, allowing for controlled coupling reactions in peptide synthesis.
  • Cyano Group: The ortho-cyano substituent on the phenyl ring offers unique electronic properties and can serve as a handle for further chemical modifications or as a bioisostere in drug design.
  • D-Configuration: The use of the D-enantiomer is often important for increasing the stability of peptides against enzymatic degradation in vivo.

These characteristics make Boc-D-2-CN-phe highly sought after for applications ranging from fundamental research in protein structure and function to the development of cutting-edge pharmaceuticals. Researchers often look to buy this compound to create modified peptides for targeted therapies or to explore new synthetic routes in medicinal chemistry.

Procurement and Supplier Considerations

When procuring Boc-D-2-CN-phe, it is essential to source from reliable manufacturers who can guarantee high purity and consistency. Given the specialized nature of UAAs, partnering with established suppliers or manufacturers, particularly those with robust quality control systems and competitive pricing, is crucial. Many research institutions and chemical companies opt to purchase such specialized reagents from China, a global leader in fine chemical production. Ensuring that a supplier provides detailed specifications, such as CAS number (261380-28-3) and purity analysis (e.g., HPLC >97%), along with prompt quotation services for bulk orders, is standard practice.

As the utility of unnatural amino acids continues to be explored, compounds like Boc-D-2-CN-phe will play an increasingly vital role in advancing scientific understanding and driving innovation in drug development. For scientists and procurement professionals, staying informed about these key building blocks and their reliable suppliers is key to project success.