A Versatile N-Protected Chiral Building Block for Peptide Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Enzyme Research: N-Benzoyl-L-Phenylalanine Methyl Ester (CAS# 3005-61-6)

N-Benzoyl-L-Phenylalanine Methyl Ester (CAS# 3005-61-6), also known as (S)-N-Benzoylphenylalanine methyl ester, Methyl (2S)-2-(benzoylamino)-3-phenylpropanoate, or Bz-Phe-OMe, is an N-protected chiral amino acid ester derivative with the molecular formula C₁₇H₁₇NO₃ and a molecular weight of 283.32 g/mol. Its molecular structure consists of an L-phenylalanine core bearing a benzoyl (Bz) protecting group on the α-amino moiety and a methyl 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 83–85°C, a density of 1.161 g/cm³, and an XLogP3 value of 2.6, the compound exhibits high solubility in common organic solvents. The benzoyl group provides superior binding affinity relative to acetyl derivatives, making N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl 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, 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 methyl ester (CAS# 3005-61-6) is concentrated in three primary sectors: peptide synthesis and medicinal chemistry (approximately 50–60% of global consumption), enzyme inhibition and biochemical research (approximately 25–30%), and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing (approximately 10–15%). Its N-benzoyl-protected chiral scaffold and dual functionality as both a building block and an enzyme inhibitor serve as the core drivers of sustained demand growth.

In peptide synthesis and medicinal chemistry, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl 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 methyl 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. The compound’s chiral integrity (L-configuration) is critical for maintaining stereochemical purity in downstream pharmaceutical synthesis.

In enzyme inhibition and biochemical research, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester is recognized as a competitive inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme that converts androstenedione and testosterone to estrogens. It has been shown to inhibit the production of estrogen in laboratory assays and has been found to be an effective inhibitor of aromatase in mice. This analog also has the potential for use as a cancer therapy because it inhibits the growth of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells. The compound’s documented biological performance makes it a valuable tool for studying aromatase function and developing novel therapeutic approaches. Researchers also utilize this compound in the study of other proteolytic enzymes and enzyme-substrate interactions.

In pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl 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 development of novel therapeutic agents targeting hormone-dependent cancers and metabolic diseases.

In academic and industrial research, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester serves as a versatile building block for constructing complex natural product analogs and functional materials. It is used in the synthesis of various amino acid derivatives for applications in medicinal chemistry and materials science.

Major Market Participants

The global supply system for N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester (CAS# 3005-61-6) 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 ≥95% to ≥98% purity with full analytical documentation (NMR, HPLC, GC), 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 methyl 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 and other industrial provinces. Chinese manufacturers produce the compound to meet ISO certification standards, making it suitable for global pharmaceutical R&D and quality control requirements.

Regional Market Dynamics

The global N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl 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 methyl 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 methyl 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 methyl 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 methyl ester (CAS# 3005-61-6) 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 methyl ester is listed in chemical inventories including PubChem (CID 684239) 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.

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: 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 methyl ester is not classified as hazardous material for 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 methyl 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 drives demand for high-quality N-protected amino acid building blocks, including N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester.
2. Growth in pharmaceutical R&D: Increasing investment in drug discovery and development, particularly in the areas of hormone-dependent cancers, metabolic diseases, and inflammatory disorders, supports demand for versatile chiral building blocks.
3. Continued demand for enzyme research tools: The compound’s established role as an aromatase inhibitor ensures steady demand from academic and industrial research laboratories studying estrogen-related pathways and cancer therapeutics.
4. Expansion of biotechnology research: Growth in the biotechnology sector, including protein engineering, enzyme mechanism studies, and drug discovery research, supports demand for characterized enzyme inhibitors and 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 methyl 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 methyl 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 Methyl Ester (CAS# 3005-61-6) 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 methyl ester products. The production process incorporates advanced synthetic technologies—including benzoylation of L-phenylalanine methyl 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, including ISO certification, 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 methyl 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 methyl 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: C₁₇H₁₇NO₃
• Molecular Weight: 283.32 g/mol
• Exact Mass: 283.12084340 Da
• IUPAC Name: methyl (2S)-2-benzamido-3-phenylpropanoate
• SMILES: COC(=O)C@HNC(=O)C2=CC=CC=C2
• InChIKey: BRQQPHKRRCUYLA-HNNXBMFYSA-N
• Melting Point: 83–85°C
• Density: 1.161 g/cm³
• XLogP3: 2.6
• Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 1
• Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 3
• Rotatable Bond Count: 6
• Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)

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 Methyl Ester (CAS# 3005-61-6) 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
• Building block for the construction of complex organic molecular structures
• Precursor for the preparation of various amino acid derivatives

Enzyme Inhibition and Biochemical Research:

• Competitive inhibitor of aromatase, an enzyme that converts androstenedione and testosterone to estrogens
• Tool for studying estrogen biosynthesis and hormone-dependent cancer pathways
• Reagent for investigating enzyme-substrate interactions and protease specificity
• Probe for studying the structure-activity relationships of enzyme inhibitors

Pharmaceutical Intermediate Manufacturing:

• Intermediate in the synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds and bioactive molecules
• Precursor for potential anticancer agents targeting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
• Building block for the development of novel therapeutic agents

Academic and Industrial Research:

• Versatile building block for constructing natural product analogs
• Reagent for medicinal chemistry and drug discovery programs
• Tool for studying protein-ligand interactions and molecular recognition

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.

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 including ISO certification.
• 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