A Versatile N-Protected Chiral Building Block for Peptide Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Enzyme Research: N-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine Ethyl Ester (CAS# 7200-18-2)

N-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester (CAS# 7200-18-2), also known as (S)-ethyl 2-benzamido-3-phenylpropanoate, ethyl N-benzoylphenylalaninate, or (S)-N-benzoylphenylalanine ethyl ester, is an N-protected chiral amino acid ester derivative with the molecular formula C₁₈H₁₉NO₃ and a molecular weight of 297.35 g/mol. Its molecular structure consists of an L-phenylalanine core bearing a benzoyl (Bz) protecting group on the α-amino moiety and an ethyl ester group at the carboxylic acid terminus. This N-benzoyl-protected architecture confers both chemical stability and enhanced binding affinity in biological systems, making it a fundamental chiral building block in peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and enzymatic research. As a white to off-white crystalline solid with a melting point of 100–102°C and a predicted boiling point of 505.1±43.0°C, the compound exhibits high solubility in common organic solvents such as ethanol and methanol, but limited aqueous solubility due to the lipophilic benzoyl and ethyl ester moieties. The benzoyl group provides superior binding affinity relative to acetyl derivatives, making N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester a preferred substrate and inhibitor scaffold in enzyme mechanism studies. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial significance, this article systematically analyzes the key properties, core application areas, global market structure, regional dynamics, regulatory landscape, and future outlook of this versatile N-protected chiral building block.

Core Application Fields and Demand

Market demand for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester (CAS# 7200-18-2) is concentrated in three primary sectors: peptide synthesis and medicinal chemistry (approximately 50–60% of global consumption), enzymatic research and biochemical assays (approximately 20–25%), and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing (approximately 15–20%), with the remainder used in natural product synthesis and specialty chemical applications. Its N-benzoyl-protected chiral scaffold and dual functionality as both a building block and an enzyme substrate serve as the core drivers of sustained demand growth.

In peptide synthesis and medicinal chemistry, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester serves as a fundamental N-protected chiral building block. The benzoyl group functions as a stable amine-protecting moiety that can be selectively removed under mild conditions, while the ethyl ester provides carboxyl protection that can be hydrolyzed or transesterified as needed. This makes the compound an invaluable intermediate in the construction of more complex organic molecular structures, including peptide drugs, peptidomimetics, and pharmaceutical candidates. In the synthesis of peptide drugs, the compound may be used as an intermediate to introduce specific structural fragments. It is also employed in the preparation of N-ortho-ferrocenyl benzoyl amino acid esters for organometallic chemistry and materials science applications. The compound’s chiral integrity (L-configuration) is critical for maintaining stereochemical purity in downstream pharmaceutical synthesis.

In enzymatic research and biochemical assays, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is widely recognized as an excellent substrate for serine proteases, particularly α-chymotrypsin. The benzoyl group provides superior binding affinity relative to acetyl analogs, making it a preferred probe for studying enzyme kinetics and substrate specificity. The compound undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis to yield N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine and ethanol, a reaction that has been extensively characterized in mechanistic enzymology. It serves as a valuable tool for investigating enzyme-substrate interactions, protease specificity, and the development of enzyme inhibitors. Researchers also utilize this compound in the study of carboxypeptidase A and other proteolytic enzymes, where it functions as a substrate with well-defined kinetic parameters.

In pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is employed in the synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds and bioactive molecules. Its N-benzoyl-protected phenylalanine scaffold serves as a precursor for the preparation of more complex drug candidates, including potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. The compound is also used in the synthesis of prodrugs and in the development of novel therapeutic agents targeting metabolic and inflammatory diseases.

In natural product synthesis and specialty chemicals, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester serves as a versatile building block for constructing complex natural product analogs and functional materials. It is used in the synthesis of ferrocenyl-based amino acid derivatives for applications in organometallic chemistry and materials science.

Major Market Participants

The global supply system for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester (CAS# 7200-18-2) features a pattern of “specialized fine chemical manufacturers, research-grade suppliers, and Chinese producers serving distinct market segments.” As a specialty chiral building block rather than a commodity chemical, the market is characterized by a moderate number of suppliers catering to pharmaceutical R&D, academic research, and industrial synthesis.

In the global research and high-purity segment, key suppliers include specialized fine chemical companies and research-grade distributors that serve the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research communities. These suppliers typically offer the compound at ≥98% purity with full analytical documentation, catering to demanding applications in peptide synthesis and enzymatic research.

In the industrial and large-scale production segment, Chinese manufacturers have emerged as important players in the global supply chain. Numerous chemical companies in China operate production facilities for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, leveraging cost advantages and established supply chains to serve both domestic and international markets. Suppliers are concentrated in major chemical manufacturing regions, including Shanghai, Hubei, and other industrial provinces.

Regional Market Dynamics

The global N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester market exhibits distinct regional characteristics, with production distributed across Asia-Pacific and consumption concentrated in North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, aligned with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research industries in these regions.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a significant production hub for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, with China hosting numerous manufacturers and suppliers. The region’s competitive advantages include lower production costs, established chemical infrastructure, and proximity to rapidly growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Chinese suppliers offer the compound at various purity grades and packaging options, serving both domestic and export markets. The growing pharmaceutical R&D sector in China, India, and Southeast Asia continues to drive regional consumption growth.

North America remains a key market for high-purity and research-grade N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, driven by demand from the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, and academic research institutions. The United States hosts numerous research organizations and pharmaceutical companies that require high-quality chiral building blocks for drug discovery and development. The region’s well-established regulatory framework and emphasis on product quality support demand for high-grade research chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates.

Europe is characterized by stringent regulatory requirements and a strong focus on quality and sustainability in pharmaceutical and chemical research. European pharmaceutical companies and research institutions demand high-purity chiral building blocks with comprehensive documentation. The region’s advanced peptide therapeutics sector and strong academic research base support steady demand for N-protected amino acid derivatives.

Japan and other developed markets represent specialized markets for high-purity N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester, serving pharmaceutical R&D and advanced materials applications.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

As a research chemical, pharmaceutical intermediate, and peptide synthesis building block, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester (CAS# 7200-18-2) is subject to regulatory oversight in major global economies. Compliance with relevant regulations is essential for market access and trade.

In the United States, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is listed in chemical inventories and is subject to standard laboratory safety regulations. For pharmaceutical intermediate applications, manufacturers must comply with relevant FDA regulations and quality standards. The compound is not a controlled substance and is not subject to DEA regulation.

In the European Union, the compound must comply with REACH registration requirements for import and use. Manufacturers and suppliers must provide comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and maintain appropriate documentation.

GHS classification and handling: N-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is classified as an irritant. Standard laboratory safety practices should be followed during handling, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, protective clothing, and eye/face protection). The compound should be stored in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers, protected from moisture and light.

For international transport, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is not classified as hazardous material for DOT/IATA transport purposes. Proper packaging, labeling, and documentation are nevertheless required for international shipping in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and other transport regulations.

Future Outlook

The market outlook for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is positive, supported by several key growth drivers across its major application segments. While the compound remains a relatively niche specialty chemical within the broader chiral building block market, its unique properties and versatility position it for steady growth in the coming years.

Key growth drivers include:

1. Expansion of the peptide therapeutics market: The rapidly growing global market for peptide drugs—projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030—drives demand for high-quality N-protected amino acid building blocks, including N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester.
2. Growth in pharmaceutical R&D: Increasing investment in drug discovery and development, particularly in the areas of metabolic diseases, inflammatory disorders, and oncology, supports demand for versatile chiral building blocks.
3. Continued demand for enzyme research tools: The compound’s established role as a substrate for chymotrypsin and other proteases ensures steady demand from academic and industrial enzyme research laboratories.
4. Expansion of biotechnology research: Growth in the biotechnology sector, including protein engineering, enzyme mechanism studies, and biocatalysis research, supports demand for characterized enzyme substrates.
5. Increasing focus on chiral synthesis: The growing emphasis on stereochemically pure pharmaceutical compounds drives demand for high-quality chiral building blocks like N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester.

Challenges and considerations:

• Competition from alternative protecting groups: The market faces competition from other N-protected amino acid derivatives, including Cbz (benzyloxycarbonyl) and Boc (tert-butyloxycarbonyl) protected analogs.
• Regulatory compliance: Increasingly stringent pharmaceutical and chemical regulations may require ongoing investment in quality systems and documentation.
• Limited scale: As a relatively niche compound, the market for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester is smaller than that of commodity chemicals, which may limit investment in large-scale production capacity.
• Price sensitivity: Research and academic customers may be price-sensitive, requiring suppliers to balance quality with competitive pricing.

To succeed in this evolving market landscape, suppliers must focus on product quality (particularly enantiomeric purity and batch-to-batch consistency), supply chain reliability, regulatory compliance, and responsive customer service. Companies that can offer high-purity products, flexible packaging options, and technical support for peptide synthesis and enzyme research applications will be well-positioned to capture growing demand.

Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)

As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) is dedicated to meeting the innovative needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and fine chemical industries. Leveraging extensive experience and advanced manufacturing capabilities, XinChem provides high-quality N-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine Ethyl Ester (CAS# 7200-18-2) to customers worldwide. As a trusted manufacturer and supplier based in China, XinChem combines competitive pricing, reliable supply, and exceptional service to establish itself as a preferred partner for businesses and research institutions seeking this versatile N-protected chiral building block.

1. Technical Advantages

Advanced Synthesis and Purification Processes
XinChem utilizes state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and rigorous quality control measures to ensure the purity, consistency, and safety of its N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester products. The production process incorporates advanced synthetic technologies—including benzoylation of L-phenylalanine ethyl ester followed by purification—enabling the delivery of products with purity ≥98% (HPLC) to meet diverse application requirements. Strict process control ensures consistent enantiomeric purity (L-configuration), minimal impurities, and batch-to-batch reproducibility, providing customers with reliable performance in peptide synthesis, pharmaceutical research, and enzymatic studies.

Full-Chain Quality Control
The production process strictly adheres to international quality standards, with comprehensive quality control covering raw material sourcing, in-process monitoring, and finished product testing. Each batch is accompanied by a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting physical and chemical properties, purity data (HPLC), and impurity profiles. This commitment to quality ensures that XinChem’s N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester meets the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, and biochemical research applications.

2. Product Advantages

High Purity and Consistent Quality
XinChem offers N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine ethyl ester with purity ≥98% (HPLC), ensuring optimal performance in peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and enzyme research applications. The product’s high purity minimizes the risk of unwanted side reactions and impurities, making it suitable for demanding applications in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis and biochemical assays.

Comprehensive Specifications
Key specifications include:

• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₁₉NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 297.35 g/mol
• Exact Mass: 297.136
• PSA (Polar Surface Area): 55.40 Ų
• LogP: 2.98170
• Melting Point: 100–102°C
• Boiling Point: 505.1±43.0°C (Predicted)
• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, methanol, and other organic solvents

Flexible Packaging Solutions
XinChem provides a range of packaging options to accommodate diverse customer needs, from laboratory-scale quantities (grams) to industrial-scale drums (kilograms) and bulk shipments. Customized packaging solutions are available upon request, ensuring safe handling, storage, and transportation. Recommended storage conditions include storage in a cool, dry place in tightly closed containers, protected from moisture and light.

3. Application Fields

As a versatile N-protected chiral building block, N-Benzoyl-L-phenylalanine Ethyl Ester (CAS# 7200-18-2) exhibits wide application value across multiple industries:

Peptide Synthesis and Medicinal Chemistry:

• N-protected chiral building block for the synthesis of peptide drugs and peptidomimetics
• Intermediate for introducing specific structural fragments in pharmaceutical synthesis
• Precursor for the preparation of N-ortho-ferrocenyl benzoyl amino acid esters
• Building block for the construction of complex organic molecular structures

Enzymatic Research and Biochemical Assays:

• Established substrate for α-chymotrypsin with superior binding affinity
• Tool for studying enzyme kinetics and protease specificity
• Substrate for carboxypeptidase A and other proteolytic enzymes
• Probe for investigating enzyme-substrate interactions

Pharmaceutical Intermediate Manufacturing:

• Intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and bioactive molecules
• Precursor for potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents
• Building block for prodrug development

Natural Product Synthesis and Specialty Chemicals:

• Versatile building block for constructing natural product analogs
• Precursor for ferrocenyl-based amino acid derivatives

4. Service Support

Technical Expertise and Customized Solutions
XinChem’s team of experienced chemists and pharmaceutical scientists provides full technical support throughout the customer journey—from product selection and specification development to application guidance and troubleshooting. Whether customers require optimization of peptide synthesis parameters, guidance on handling and storage, or assistance with regulatory documentation, XinChem’s technical experts are ready to help.

Global Logistics and Reliable Supply
With established supply chains serving markets across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and beyond, XinChem ensures timely delivery and consistent product availability. The company’s logistics team manages all aspects of international shipping, including customs clearance and documentation, with the compound classified as non-hazardous material for transport.

Regulatory Support
XinChem provides comprehensive documentation to support regulatory compliance, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA), and other required certificates. The company stays current with evolving regulatory requirements in major markets, helping customers navigate the complexities of global trade.

5. Reasons to Choose XinChem

• Professionalism: Extensive experience and deep expertise in chiral building block synthesis and supply.
• Quality: Rigorous quality control, consistent enantiomeric purity, and adherence to international standards.
• Reliability: Stable supply, competitive pricing, and timely delivery.
• Flexibility: Customized solutions to meet diverse customer needs, including custom synthesis and packaging.
• Service: Responsive technical support and comprehensive documentation.

Contact us today to start your partnership with XinChem!

Website: www.xinchem.com

Email: sales1@xinchem.com

WhatsApp: +86 18049800532