Boc-(R)-3-Amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid sits among the versatile building blocks in modern chemical synthesis. It finds use mainly as a protected amino acid in the construction of peptides and other advanced organic molecules. The use of the Boc (tert-butoxycarbonyl) group shields the amino function, allowing chemists to carry out selective reactions without unwanted side processes. Over the past years, demand for such specialty intermediates has grown with the rise of targeted pharmaceuticals and custom peptide sequences. The raw material serves as a key intermediate for researchers and manufacturers who look to introduce trifluorinated aromatic motifs, often valued for their unique biological activity and physicochemical properties.
This compound does not come in a single shape or size. Its physical appearance usually takes the form of an off-white to pale yellow solid, which might show up as powder, small crystalline flakes, or even compressed into larger granules depending on specific handling or storage. Each batch reflects its pure molecular composition, weighing in at a precise molecular formula of C15H16F3NO4. The molecular weight lands at 331.29 g/mol, which is important for any scale-up or quantification in the lab. You wouldn’t find this molecule available as a liquid or solution when supplied pure, but professionals often dissolve it in measured solvents for use in peptide synthesis or preparative chromatography depending on downstream needs.
The structure stands as a butanoic acid backbone with a chiral center at the 3-position, holding an (R)-configured amino group and the distinctive trifluorophenyl ring at the 4-position. The Boc group caps the amino, stabilizing it and making selective reactions possible. Each part of this structure supports both stability in air and controlled reactivity under standard peptide synthesis protocols. The typical specification sees purity levels above 98%, which helps limit side-reactivity or unwanted byproducts during further transformations. Standard melting point checks—often between 86°C and 92°C—verify this purity. Density values, generally around 1.36 g/cm³ for the solid, identify the material properly during storage and handling. The compound falls under HS Code 2922499990 for customs and trade documentation.
Materials with three fluorines on the aromatic ring push certain pharmaceutical candidates into higher metabolic stability and lipophilicity. This trifluorinated motif resists breakdown in the body and can improve target binding, which makes such building blocks valuable despite their synthesis challenges. Boc-(R)-3-Amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid arrives clean and odorless, usually dry-packed to limit exposure to moisture. As a crystalline solid, it stays free-flowing, so you won’t run into sticky operational issues in most bench or industrial procedures. A proper analytical run will show a sharp NMR signal for each position, especially from the aromatic trifluoromethyl groups, which help to confirm both identity and purity in a research or quality control lab.
Anyone working hands-on with Boc-(R)-3-Amino-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butanoic acid should recognize the balance between usefulness and risk. The compound brings expected hazards seen in synthetic intermediates. Skin, eye, and respiratory exposure may cause irritation; gloves, goggles, and a suitable ventilation system help prevent direct contact or inhalation. Dust control makes a difference, especially in environments moving several kilograms at a time. Labeling and handling carry over into waste disposal, since it sits within chemical waste protocols and not regular refuse. Emergency procedures stem from solid chemical spills—containment, collection, proper waste management, and immediate washing with soap and water if contact occurs. I always encourage updated safety data sheets and regular training, as the knowledge on regulatory guidance sometimes shifts. This material does not ignite easily but can decompose at high temperatures, giving off hazardous fumes. That possibility means keeping it away from open flame and strong oxidizers.
This amino acid derivative doesn’t stand alone; it fuels many pharmaceutical and biotechnology pipelines. The presence of three fluorine atoms on the aromatic ring presents structural motifs now common in antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory candidates. Reliable access to such materials lets chemists innovate more freely, running faster experiments and jumping straight to potent leads. I’ve seen firsthand how quality issues hold up progress: any batch with too much water or incorrect crystalline form can send weeks of work down the drain. Raw material quality directly shapes both efficiency and outcome of synthetic projects, and companies investing in high-quality supply chains regularly pull ahead in competitive drug discovery. Awareness of global supply, reliable HS code documentation, and traceable lot history build trust from the bench to the boardroom.
Real improvements always start with people on the ground. Effective solutions for hazardous raw chemicals begin with transparent safety protocols, enforced by routine audit and training. Manufacturers can reduce harm by minimizing dust, automating transfer steps, and providing modern containment where large scales make high exposure possible. In the down-the-road view, greener synthesis routes—reducing hazardous byproducts—help both staff and the wider world. Process chemists increasingly optimize reactions around milder reagents, higher yields, and smarter waste management. Switching to recyclable or less reactive solvents cuts down on long-term risk. At the regulatory level, keeping up with global updates prevents delayed shipments or sudden bans due to shifting environmental law. Each of these steps, big or small, pushes science ahead while keeping harm out of the equation.
