Picking D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester isn't just a matter of comparing catalog prices. You also need to think practically about purity, stability, documentation, and what you're actually going to use it for. This specialty intermediate has a protected amino acid structure plus a phenolic group, so how you handle it matters. Moisture, temperature, and storage time can all affect how it performs.
Dr. John C. Warner, a well-known green chemistry expert, once put it this way: “The best way to deal with a hazard is to not create it.” That idea fits nicely with a careful approach to D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester. Buyers should look at the manufacturing route, solvent profile, analytical methods, and waste considerations. And a dependable supplier? They should give you a current Certificate of Analysis, batch traceability, and clear storage guidance.
Small details matter.
In lab and pharmaceutical development settings, consistent assay results can mean fewer repeated experiments. Controlled particle appearance can also make weighing and transfer easier. These benefits might not sound huge, but across multiple production batches they add up. D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester can offer useful synthetic flexibility, especially when chemists need a well-defined intermediate for further transformation.
It's not a universal answer.
Its value depends on reaction design, downstream specs, and process economics. A cheaper material can create hidden costs if purity is inconsistent or documentation is incomplete. That risk is worth paying attention to. But here's the thing: the better choice is one that combines technical suitability with transparent supply practices. Even then, there's still some uncertainty, because performance has to be confirmed under real process conditions. So careful screening, small-scale testing, and professional consultation are still essential before you adopt it more broadly.
Chemical Identity and Structural Features of D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester is a defined amino acid derivative with a recognizable molecular framework. Its structure contains a benzene ring, a para-hydroxyl group, an amino group, and a methyl ester. These features create a balance between aromatic character and polar functionality. The commonly reported molecular formula is C9H11NO3, with a relative molecular mass near 181.19 g/mol. Exact values should be confirmed from the supplied specification.
The “D” designation identifies one stereochemical form of the molecule. This matters because mirror-image forms can behave differently in biological and synthetic systems. However, D and R should not be treated as interchangeable labels without verification. A certificate of analysis, optical rotation data, and chiral testing provide stronger evidence than a catalog description alone. That distinction is easy to overlook.
The phenolic hydroxyl and amino groups can participate in hydrogen bonding. The ester group adds useful reactivity but may undergo hydrolysis under unsuitable moisture, heat, or pH conditions. In practical handling, a dry container and controlled storage environment help protect material quality. Appearance alone proves little. A white crystalline sample may still require identity testing by NMR, infrared spectroscopy, or chromatography. Some descriptions also refer to salt forms, so the counterion must be checked before comparing molecular weights. My cautious view is simple: structural understanding should guide selection, but analytical confirmation should guide the final decision.
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester is valued for its defined molecular structure and practical handling profile. Public chemical databases, including PubChem, report a molecular formula of C9H11NO3 and a molecular weight of 181.19 g/mol. Its structure contains a phenolic hydroxyl group, an amino group, and a methyl ester. These functional groups create useful sites for controlled chemical transformation. The D-configuration also supports stereochemically selective synthesis routes.
Key Physical and Chemical Properties
The material is commonly described as a white to off-white crystalline solid. It is typically handled as a dry powder, not as a volatile liquid. Reported melting behavior can vary with purity, hydration, and measurement method. That variation deserves attention. A laboratory should verify the certificate of analysis and test method before comparing suppliers. PubChem and safety documentation frameworks aligned with OECD guidance emphasize identity, purity, stability, and exposure data as separate evaluation points.
In practice, moisture control matters. Phenolic compounds may darken during prolonged exposure to heat, light, or air. The ester group can also undergo hydrolysis under strongly acidic or alkaline conditions. Storage in a tightly closed container, away from heat and humidity, is a sensible control. Solubility should be confirmed experimentally because published values may differ by solvent, temperature, and particle size. A small-scale compatibility test often reveals more than a database entry.
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester? - Key Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property |
Value |
Description and Relevance |
| Chemical name |
Methyl 2-amino-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate |
The methyl ester of 4-hydroxyphenylglycine, containing amino, phenolic hydroxyl, and ester functional groups. |
| Stereochemical form |
D-enantiomer |
A single enantiomer of the chiral α-amino ester; stereochemical purity is important in asymmetric synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediates. |
| Molecular formula |
C9H11NO3
|
Represents the neutral, free-base methyl ester without a counterion or solvent of crystallization. |
| Molecular weight |
181.19 g/mol |
Calculated from the molecular formula; useful for stoichiometric calculations and solution preparation. |
| Physical state at room temperature |
Solid |
The compound is generally handled as a crystalline or amorphous organic solid, depending on preparation and storage history. |
| Functional groups |
Primary amine, phenol, methyl ester, aromatic ring |
Provides multiple reaction sites for acylation, alkylation, ester transformations, coupling, and salt formation. |
| Hydrogen-bond donors |
3 |
One phenolic O–H group and one primary amino group contribute hydrogen-bond donation capacity. |
| Hydrogen-bond acceptors |
4 |
The ester oxygen atoms, phenolic oxygen, and neutral amino nitrogen can participate in hydrogen-bond acceptance. |
| Rotatable bonds |
4 (commonly counted) |
Moderate conformational flexibility supports useful behavior in synthetic and medicinal-chemistry applications. |
| Aromatic rings |
1 benzene ring |
The para-hydroxy-substituted aromatic ring contributes rigidity and enables electrophilic aromatic substitution chemistry. |
| Acid–base behavior |
Amphoteric organic compound |
The amino group is basic, while the phenolic group is weakly acidic; the compound may form salts under suitable conditions. |
| Water compatibility |
Limited to moderate; pH-dependent |
Ionization of the amino group can improve aqueous compatibility in acidic media, whereas the neutral form is more compatible with polar organic solvents. |
| Chemical stability considerations |
Sensitive to strong acid/base, heat, and prolonged moisture exposure |
The ester group may undergo hydrolysis, and extended exposure to heat or moisture can affect purity and physical form. |
| Primary application value |
Chiral synthetic intermediate |
Its defined stereochemistry and versatile functional groups make it useful for preparing optically active compounds and advanced intermediates. |
Note: The molecular formula, molecular weight, hydrogen-bond counts, and structural descriptors are based on the neutral free-base structure. Appearance, solid form, solubility, and stability can vary with stereochemical purity, crystallinity, hydration state, salt form, and storage conditions.
Advantages in Pharmaceutical Intermediate Development
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
Advantages in Pharmaceutical Intermediate Development
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester offers a practical chiral starting point for intermediate development. Its defined stereochemistry can support more consistent downstream coupling and impurity control. The methyl ester also provides a manageable protection strategy during route screening. The phenolic group remains chemically useful. That flexibility matters.
According to the IQVIA Institute’s Global Use of Medicines 2024 report, worldwide medicine spending may reach 2.3 trillion US dollars by 2028. This growth increases pressure on developers to shorten process cycles and strengthen supply resilience. A well-characterized intermediate can help reduce repeated route adjustments. It may also support smaller-scale experiments before process intensification. In my experience, this is where material quality becomes more valuable than a low purchase price.
The advantage is conditional. A clean chromatographic result does not prove complete stereochemical control. Development teams should examine assay, enantiomeric purity, residual solvents, water content, and solid-state behavior.
ICH Q11 emphasizes understanding material attributes and their effects on the drug-substance process. That principle applies here. Storage stability also deserves attention, especially under heat and humidity. A minor oversight can become a major impurity problem. The compound is useful, but not automatically optimal for every route. Route-specific evidence still matters.
Role in Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Compound Production
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester offers a practical chiral starting point for asymmetric synthesis. Its defined D-configuration can reduce downstream stereochemical correction. The para-hydroxy group also supports selective protection, coupling, and functional-group adjustment. In laboratory work, this flexibility can shorten route development. It is not a universal shortcut. Solubility and hydrolysis still require careful control.
Asymmetric synthesis depends on more than optical purity. Researchers must track conversion, enantiomeric excess, residual solvents, and related impurities. HPLC with a chiral stationary phase provides useful confirmation. A 2024 industry analysis estimated the global chiral chemicals market at approximately USD 64.8 billion in 2023, with growth projected through 2030. That expansion reflects stronger demand for stereochemically defined intermediates in pharmaceutical development.
Its methyl ester form can improve weighing, handling, and reaction planning compared with less standardized intermediates. Small changes in temperature or catalyst loading may still alter selectivity. I have found that early analytical checks prevent expensive surprises later. The route may look clean on paper, yet isolation can be frustrating. A 2023 process-chemistry survey also highlighted impurity control and scalable crystallization as recurring challenges in chiral manufacturing. Careful documentation remains essential.
Common Applications in Research and Industrial Chemistry
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester is a useful chiral building block for research and industrial chemistry. Its methyl ester supports controlled hydrolysis, amidation, and coupling reactions. The para-hydroxy group offers another practical reaction site. This dual functionality helps chemists design short synthetic routes. Small changes matter.
In pharmaceutical research, the compound can support asymmetric synthesis, impurity studies, and reference-standard development. It is especially relevant when stereochemical purity affects biological performance. IQVIA’s Global Use of Medicines 2024 report projects global medicine spending to reach approximately 2.3 trillion dollars by 2028. That forecast suggests continued demand for specialized intermediates. However, it does not prove demand for this specific compound. That distinction deserves attention.
Industrial laboratories may also use this ester during process optimization and route comparison. Typical checks include assay, water content, residual solvents, and enantiomeric purity. HPLC and optical rotation data should be reviewed together. One result alone can mislead. The OECD’s 2023 chemical industry indicators emphasize efficiency, resource use, and safer production practices across chemical value chains. Therefore, suppliers and users should evaluate yield, solvent consumption, waste generation, and storage stability. A material that reacts well at bench scale may behave differently during manufacturing. Careful batch records remain essential.
Factors to Consider When Selecting This Methyl Ester
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
Selecting D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester requires more than comparing prices or listed purity. The D-configuration matters because stereochemistry can influence reaction performance and downstream selectivity. Confirm the chemical identity through HPLC, NMR, or other suitable analytical data. Optical rotation may also support stereochemical verification, but it should not stand alone.
Look closely at the certificate of analysis. A high assay value is useful, yet it does not reveal every practical concern. Check related substances, water content, residual solvents, and the test method used. A clear specification is essential. Small differences in moisture can affect weighing, especially during repeated synthesis. The material should arrive in an intact, well-sealed container with a traceable lot number and documented storage conditions.
Consider your actual application. Research-scale work may tolerate a different specification than a regulated manufacturing process. Review the required batch size, delivery schedule, retest period, and packaging format before ordering. Ask whether the supplier can provide consistent analytical records across multiple lots. Consistency matters more than one impressive result. It is easy to overlook handling details. Protect the ester from unsuitable temperature, humidity, and prolonged exposure to air when the technical data recommends doing so. A certificate can look complete, but independent confirmation may still be worthwhile for sensitive projects. The final choice should reflect both chemical quality and process reliability.
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
Factors to Consider When Selecting This Methyl Ester
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester is an esterified derivative of 4-hydroxyphenylglycine with the molecular formula C9H11NO3 and a molecular weight of approximately 181.19 g/mol.
The chart presents a practical screening priority from 1 to 5. Stereochemical identity, assay or optical purity, impurity profile, and suitability for the intended synthetic route should be confirmed from the supplier’s technical documentation and certificate of analysis.
Safety, Handling, Storage, and Quality Control Considerations
Why Choose D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester?
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine methyl ester requires controlled handling, not casual bench storage. PubChem lists a molecular weight of 181.19 g/mol, but identity alone does not define safety. Review the current SDS, certificate of analysis, and lot-specific impurity profile before use. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and a buttoned laboratory coat. Use local exhaust when transferring powder. Dust is easy to underestimate.
Keep the material tightly sealed in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect it from direct light, moisture, heat, and incompatible oxidizing materials. ICH Q7 supports documented storage controls for pharmaceutical starting materials, while USP General Chapter guides residual-solvent testing. A practical quality program should include HPLC or LC-MS identity, assay, water by Karl Fischer, residual solvents by GC, and chiral purity where relevant. Record container opening dates. Small details matter.
The European Chemicals Agency’s 2023 enforcement reporting found non-compliance in roughly one-fifth of inspected products, showing why labels and supplier documents deserve verification. That figure is not specific to this ester, yet it is a useful warning. Public databases rarely capture lot-to-lot behavior. Stability observations, chromatograms, and retest records provide stronger evidence. Storage recommendations should be confirmed experimentally; assuming room-temperature stability may be convenient, but it can be wrong.
Methyl D-(-)-4-Hydroxy-phenylglycinate: Properties, Applications, and Selection Guide
Methyl D-(-)-4-Hydroxy-phenylglycinate is a chiral aromatic amino-acid ester identified by CAS No. 37763-23-8. Its molecular formula is C₉H₁₁NO₃, with a molecular weight of 181.191, and its structure contains a methyl ester, an amino group, and a para-hydroxy-substituted aromatic ring. These functional groups make it a useful building block for research involving asymmetric synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and the preparation of more complex organic molecules. Its stereochemical designation, D-(-), is an important part of its identity and should be preserved throughout handling and application.
When selecting this material, users should confirm the chemical name, CAS number, molecular formula, and specification data against the intended synthesis or research protocol. Particular attention should be given to assay, enantiomeric purity, water content, residual solvents, and impurity profiles, since these factors can influence reaction performance and product consistency. A certificate of analysis, lot traceability, suitable packaging, and storage guidance are also valuable selection criteria. For documentation and international identification, relevant references include HS Code 2942000000, EC Numbers 253-657-2 and 806-897-2, DSSTox Substance ID DTXSID00958815, and Nikkaji Number J238.216D.
FAQS
It is a defined organic compound with formula C9H11NO3 and molecular weight 181.19 g/mol. Its structure includes a phenolic hydroxyl group, an amino group, and a methyl ester.
It is commonly supplied as a white to off-white crystalline solid or dry powder. It is not normally handled as a volatile liquid.
The D-configuration can support stereochemically selective synthesis routes. It may influence reaction performance and downstream selectivity. Confirm it analytically.
Review the certificate of analysis, lot number, storage conditions, and retest period. Check assay, related substances, water content, residual solvents, and test methods. A high assay alone is not enough.
Suitable methods include HPLC and NMR. Optical rotation can support stereochemical verification, but it should not be used alone. Independent confirmation may help sensitive projects.
Keep the material in a tightly closed container, away from heat and humidity. Limit prolonged exposure to light and air. Moisture matters.
Phenolic compounds may darken after extended exposure to heat, light, or air. Melting behavior can vary with purity, hydration, and measurement method. Do not compare values blindly.
Confirm solubility experimentally because solvent, temperature, and particle size can change results. A small compatibility test may provide more useful evidence than a database entry. Published values are not always consistent.
Match the specification to the intended research or manufacturing use. Consider batch size, delivery timing, packaging, and record consistency across lots. One impressive result may not predict future performance.
Conclusion
D-4-Hydroxyphenylglycine Methyl Ester is a valuable chiral building block characterized by its aromatic hydroxyl group, ester functionality, and defined D-configuration. These structural features provide useful reactivity, stereochemical control, and compatibility with a range of chemical transformations. Its physical and chemical properties, including purity, stability, solubility, and optical characteristics, make it suitable for controlled use in synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical intermediate development.
This methyl ester supports asymmetric synthesis and the preparation of optically active compounds, helping researchers build complex molecules with greater selectivity. It is commonly considered in medicinal chemistry, process development, and industrial research where reliable chiral starting materials are required. When selecting a grade, users should evaluate assay, enantiomeric purity, moisture content, impurity profile, packaging, and batch consistency. Appropriate laboratory handling, clear labeling, suitable protective equipment, controlled storage conditions, and quality testing are important for maintaining material integrity and supporting safe, reproducible results.
