Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone (also known as tert-butyl (1S)-1-benzyl-2-oxobut-3-enylcarbamate, (4S)-4-(tert-Butyloxycarbonylamino)-5-phenyl-1-penten-3-one, Carbamic acid, [(1S)-2-oxo-1-(phenylmethyl)-3-butenyl]-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (9CI), CAS: 137278-22-9) is a chiral α-amino ketone derivative featuring a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected amine and a vinyl ketone moiety. With the molecular formula C₁₆H₂₁NO₃ and a molecular weight of 275.34 g/mol, it typically appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid. Key properties include solubility in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and ether, with slight solubility in water. The Boc group is sensitive to moisture and strong alkali and can be deprotected under acidic conditions; the compound requires storage in a dry, inert atmosphere. As this is a highly reactive intermediate, commercial suppliers often provide it in solution form to avoid long-term storage of the pure product. Synonyms include BPVK, Boc-phe-vinyl ketone, and tert-butyl (1S)-1-benzyl-2-oxobut-3-enylcarbamate.
As a specialized chiral pharmaceutical intermediate, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone serves as a critical building block in drug discovery and development. Its unique combination of orthogonal functionality — a Boc-protected amine for peptide coupling and a vinyl ketone for nucleophilic addition and cyclization — provides versatile reactivity for constructing complex molecular architectures. The compound‘s chiral center at the benzylic position imparts stereochemical control essential for enantioselective synthesis of bioactive molecules. Market demand is closely linked to the global pharmaceutical industry, driven by the increasing need for versatile, chirally pure building blocks in antiviral, antitumor, and heterocyclic drug discovery. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone is concentrated in three major sectors: antiviral and antitumor drug discovery (≈40-45% of global consumption), heterocyclic compound synthesis (≈25-30%), and peptidomimetic and chiral pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis (≈20-25%), with additional demand from academic research and chemical biology applications (≈5-10%).
In the antiviral and antitumor drug discovery sector, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of antiviral and antitumor drug candidates. The vinyl ketone moiety is a valuable electrophilic handle for Michael addition reactions, enabling the construction of diverse pharmacophores. The phenylalanine-derived chiral scaffold provides a privileged structure for targeting proteases, kinases, and other therapeutically relevant proteins. The compound is particularly valuable for the development of covalent inhibitors, where the vinyl ketone can serve as a Michael acceptor for targeting cysteine residues in enzyme active sites. The global pharmaceutical R&D market continues to sustain demand for specialized, chirally pure building blocks for targeted therapeutics.
In the heterocyclic compound synthesis sector, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone participates in nucleophilic addition and cyclization reactions to synthesize nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds, such as pyrrolidine and pyridine derivatives. The vinyl ketone functionality undergoes regioselective 1,4-addition with various nucleophiles, followed by intramolecular cyclization to access diverse heterocyclic scaffolds. These heterocyclic cores are essential pharmacophores in numerous drug candidates across multiple therapeutic areas. The compound‘s utility in constructing complex heterocyclic architectures makes it a valuable tool for medicinal chemistry programs.
In peptidomimetic and chiral pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone serves as a Boc-protected allylic carbamate for constructing peptide or non-peptide drug scaffolds containing phenylalanine derivatives. The Boc group provides orthogonal protection for the amine functionality, enabling selective deprotection under mild acidic conditions without affecting other reactive groups. This allows for the stepwise construction of complex molecules in multi-step synthetic sequences. The compound is also used in the synthesis of β-amino acid derivatives and other chiral building blocks for pharmaceutical development.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone follows a pattern of specialized fine chemical and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers, with production concentrated in China, Europe, and North America. The compound is generally supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with purity ranging from 95% to ≥98% (verified by HPLC or GC analysis), often provided in solution form to ensure stability. As a highly specialized chiral intermediate, the compound is primarily available through dedicated fine chemical suppliers and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturers.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable, quality-controlled supply chain for high-purity Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone (CAS 137278-22-9). Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent purity with low impurity profiles, fully complying with global pharmaceutical and research standards. It is available in research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and material synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications). XinChem offers flexible packaging options ranging from gram quantities for research to bulk custom packaging for industrial applications.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone shows regional differentiation: “North America and Europe lead in high-purity pharmaceutical and research applications, Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region for production and supply, and Japan and South Korea demand ultra-high-purity grades for advanced drug development.”
North America (United States and Canada) and Europe (Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, France) together account for the largest share of high-purity pharmaceutical and research consumption (≥98%), driven by the highest concentration of pharmaceutical R&D, antiviral and antitumor drug discovery programs, and academic research institutions. Customer requirements in these regions are stringent: purity ≥98%, full traceability, compliance with REACH and TSCA regulations, and comprehensive impurity documentation.
Asia-Pacific, particularly China, is the fastest-growing region for production and supply of chiral pharmaceutical intermediates. Chinese manufacturers, including XinChem, offer competitive pricing at scales ranging from research quantities to industrial batches, serving both domestic demand for pharmaceutical intermediates and exports to global markets. The region‘s expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing base, coupled with growing investment in drug discovery and development, continues to drive demand for high-purity chiral building blocks.
Japan and South Korea demand ultra-high-purity grades for advanced pharmaceutical development and high-performance material applications.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone (CAS 137278-22-9) is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for pharmaceutical and research applications. The compound has an InChIKey of YAABAAPIHZWIND-ZDUSSCGKSA-N and is listed in various chemical databases including ChemSpider and PubChem.
Recommended storage conditions: store in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area under inert atmosphere (nitrogen or argon), protected from moisture, light, and strong alkali. The Boc group is sensitive to moisture and can be deprotected under acidic conditions, so exposure to moisture should be minimized. As a highly reactive intermediate, the compound is often supplied in solution form to avoid long-term storage of the pure product. Personal protective equipment (PPE) — including chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate laboratory attire — is recommended during handling. The compound should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, and strong bases.
In the European Union, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone is subject to REACH regulations; importers and manufacturers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In the United States, the compound is regulated under TSCA; for pharmaceutical API use, adherence to cGMP guidelines (21 CFR Parts 210/211) is required. In China, the compound is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and requires safety production licenses for manufacturing facilities.
Environmentally, the compound requires responsible handling and disposal in accordance with environmental regulations. Manufacturing processes generate solvent-containing waste streams requiring proper treatment.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone is tied to three core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global demand for chiral pharmaceutical intermediates in antiviral and antitumor drug discovery, driven by the increasing complexity of drug candidates and the need for enantiomerically pure building blocks; (2) expanding applications in heterocyclic compound synthesis for medicinal chemistry programs targeting diverse therapeutic areas; and (3) growing interest in covalent inhibitor development, where vinyl ketone-containing intermediates serve as valuable electrophilic warheads for targeting cysteine residues. The compound‘s unique combination of orthogonal Boc protection and vinyl ketone reactivity positions it as a versatile building block for next-generation pharmaceutical development. Challenges include: raw material cost volatility for chiral precursors, competition from alternative synthetic routes to antiviral and antitumor drug candidates, and the need for continued investment in high-purity production and quality control. Enterprises should focus on securing high-purity (≥98%) production capabilities, maintaining rigorous impurity documentation for global regulatory filings, ensuring compliance with REACH and TSCA requirements, and building long-term supply partnerships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, CROs, and research institutions.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of chiral pharmaceutical intermediates, building blocks, and specialty chemicals, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and chemical research industries. Relying on core advantages in organic synthesis, chiral chemistry, quality control, and global logistics, we provide high-quality Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone (Carbamic acid, [(1S)-2-oxo-1-(phenylmethyl)-3-butenyl]-, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (9CI), CAS 137278-22-9) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management, achieving consistent specifications for pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and research grades. Fully compliant with international quality standards, it is an ideal chiral building block for antiviral and antitumor drug synthesis, heterocyclic compound development, and peptidomimetic drug discovery.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone achieves purity levels of ≥95-98% (verified by HPLC/GC analysis), supplied as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, molecular weight 275.34 g/mol, molecular formula C₁₆H₂₁NO₃, InChIKey YAABAAPIHZWIND-ZDUSSCGKSA-N.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents, heavy metals, and related substances ensures high performance for pharmaceutical and research applications.
Multiple Grades Available: We offer research grade (for laboratory and R&D applications), industrial grade (for agrochemical and material synthesis), and high-purity grade (for pharmaceutical and advanced applications). Solution forms are available upon request to ensure stability.
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (HPLC, GC, NMR, density) guarantees consistent quality and reproducible performance across all production lots.
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Chiral Pharmaceutical Intermediate: Directly used in antiviral and antitumor drug discovery, heterocyclic compound synthesis (pyrrolidine, pyridine derivatives), peptidomimetic and non-peptide drug scaffolds containing phenylalanine derivatives, and covalent inhibitor development (Michael acceptor for cysteine targeting).
Orthogonal Functionality: The Boc-protected amine enables selective deprotection under acidic conditions, while the vinyl ketone provides a reactive electrophilic handle for nucleophilic addition and cyclization reactions.
Chiral Purity: The (S)-configuration at the benzylic position ensures stereochemical control essential for enantioselective synthesis of bioactive molecules.
Flexible Packaging: 1g, 5g, 10g, 25g, 100g, 500g (R&D); 1kg, 5kg, 10kg, 25kg HDPE drums/steel drums (industrial); solution forms available upon request; full custom packaging available.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual capacity in the multi-ton range, with dedicated temperature-controlled warehousing (cool, dry, inert atmosphere, sealed containers) and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
- Antiviral & Antitumor Drug Discovery: Key intermediate for antiviral and antitumor drug candidates; covalent inhibitor development; protease and kinase inhibitor synthesis.
- Heterocyclic Compound Synthesis: Pyrrolidine derivatives, pyridine derivatives, and other nitrogen-containing heterocycles via nucleophilic addition and cyclization reactions.
- Peptidomimetic & Chiral Intermediate Synthesis: Boc-protected allylic carbamate for constructing peptide and non-peptide drug scaffolds containing phenylalanine derivatives; β-amino acid derivatives; chiral building blocks for pharmaceutical development.
- Chemical Biology: Probe development for studying enzyme mechanisms; tool compound synthesis for target validation.
- Academic Research: Methodology development, reaction optimization, and medicinal chemistry studies.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides synthetic application guidance, impurity profiling, custom packaging, and regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, REACH compliance, TSCA certification). We offer just-in-time delivery and custom synthesis of chiral intermediates upon request.
5. Why Choose XinChem
- Professionalism: 20+ years in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical, and specialty chemical industries.
- Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, grade requirements, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation needs.
- Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive industrial pricing.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Aug-02-2026