In the realm of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, understanding the precise properties and applications of key compounds is crucial for both researchers and procurement professionals. L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride (CAS: 13404-22-3) is one such compound, widely recognized for its role in advanced synthesis. This article explores its characteristics and industrial relevance, guiding those looking to purchase this essential chemical intermediate.

Key Properties of L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride:

L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride is typically characterized by its physical form and chemical composition. Common specifications provided by manufacturers and suppliers include:

  • Appearance: White Crystalline Powder. This physical form is standard for many amino acid derivatives, facilitating handling and accurate weighing in laboratory settings.
  • Purity: Generally specified as ≥98% (or higher, e.g., 99.0% by titration or NMR). High purity is essential for its applications in sensitive synthesis processes, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.
  • Molecular Formula: C7H16ClNO2. This formula details the atomic composition of the molecule.
  • Molecular Weight: Approximately 181.66 g/mol. This is important for stoichiometric calculations in synthesis.
  • Melting Point: Typically reported in the range of 168-175 °C (with decomposition). This property is a key identifier and indicator of purity.
  • Optical Activity: Often specified as [α]20/D +1.5 ± 0.3 º (c = 2 in EtOH), indicating its chiral nature and specific rotation in ethanol solution.
  • Solubility: It is generally soluble in methanol and other polar organic solvents.
  • Storage Conditions: Recommended storage is typically at 2-8°C in a tightly closed container to maintain stability and prevent moisture absorption (hygroscopic nature).

Industrial Applications:

The primary utility of L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride lies in its role as a protected amino acid and a versatile synthetic intermediate:

  • Peptide Synthesis: It is a fundamental building block for constructing peptides. The tert-butyl ester protects the C-terminus, allowing for controlled N-terminal coupling reactions, a critical step in solid-phase peptide synthesis.
  • Pharmaceutical Intermediates: It serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of various Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). Its chiral nature and reactive functional groups make it valuable for creating complex drug molecules with specific stereochemical requirements.
  • Biochemical Research: Researchers utilize it in studies related to amino acid metabolism, protein structure, and in the development of biochemical tools and probes.
  • Asymmetric Synthesis: Its inherent chirality makes it useful as a chiral auxiliary or building block in asymmetric synthesis, allowing for the stereoselective creation of desired molecules.

Sourcing and Procurement:

For organizations looking to buy L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride, partnering with reliable chemical manufacturers and suppliers is essential. When evaluating suppliers, consider their ability to consistently provide material meeting the specified purity levels, their lead times for delivery, and their pricing structures, especially for bulk orders. It is advisable to request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) with each purchase to verify product quality and specifications. Many suppliers offer competitive pricing for bulk quantities, making it cost-effective for ongoing research and production needs.

In summary, L-Alanine tert-butyl ester hydrochloride is a vital chemical intermediate with well-defined properties and critical applications in peptide synthesis and pharmaceutical development. By understanding its characteristics and sourcing it from trusted manufacturers, businesses can ensure the quality and efficiency of their synthetic processes.