News

4-Methylumbelliferone (Hymecromone, 4-MU, CAS 90-33-5) is a 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative with the molecular formula C₁₀H₈O₃ and a molecular weight of 176.17 g/mol. It appears as an off-white to pale yellow crystalline powder with a melting point of 188.5–190 °C. In the pharmaceutical industry, it is widely known as Hymecromone; in cosmetic chemistry, it is valued for its ability to inhibit hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis and its potential skin-lightening effects. Beyond its direct applications, the compound is also a key starting material for synthesizing various esters (e.g., butyrate, heptanoate) and is widely used in the production of fluorogenic enzyme substrates such as 4-Methylumbelliferyl-β-D-glucuronide (4-MUG).

Core Applications and Market Demand

The global market for 4-Methylumbelliferone is expanding, driven by three main sectors: pharmaceutical API manufacturing (≈45-50 %), specialty biochemical/enzymology research (≈30-35 %), and cosmetic & personal care formulations (≈15-20 %). Its established safety profile and versatility continue to attract interest from compounders, academic researchers, and formulators across these industries.

1. Pharmaceutical & API Manufacturing (≈45-50 % of total consumption). 4-Methylumbelliferone is the parent compound of the drug Hymecromone (INN), which has been used for decades as an oral choleretic and antispasmodic agent for biliary dyskinesia and post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Multiple patent applications covering the use of 4-MU for treating autoimmune diseases (primary sclerosing cholangitis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis) and for immune modulation have been filed, demonstrating that its therapeutic potential extends well beyond its traditional bile‑therapy indications.

2. Biochemical & Enzymology Research (≈30-35 % of total consumption). As a known hyaluronic acid synthesis inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 0.4 mM), 4-Methylumbelliferone is a standard laboratory tool for cancer research, fibrosis studies, and angiogenesis assays. Its derivatives are used as fluorogenic enzyme substrates for hydrolases, phosphatases, and glycosidases. Another significant use in this segment is 4-Methylumbelliferone as a marker for detecting β-glucuronidase activity in water quality analysis, agricultural safety testing, and food safety monitoring; the enzymatic cleavage of 4‑MUG releases 4‑MU, which can be quantified with high sensitivity using a fluorometer or a long‑wave UV lamp.

3. Cosmetics & Personal Care (≈15-20 % of total consumption). Cosmetic researchers and formulators are increasingly exploring 4-Methylumbelliferone for its potential to inhibit melanin synthesis (skin‑lightening) and to regulate hyaluronic acid production in anti‑aging formulations. As a direct‑to‑consumer active ingredient or as a chemical intermediate for synthesizing more complex specialty cosmetic ingredients, the pure compound is used to provide these desirable skincare benefits. As consumer demand for science‑backed, multi‑functional cosmeceuticals grows, this segment is likely to expand further.

4. Organic Synthesis & Specialty Intermediates. 4-Methylumbelliferone serves as a versatile building block for producing various coumarin-based fine chemicals and high‑value pharmaceutical compounds, including 4‑methylumbelliferone esters (butyrate, heptanoate, etc.) that are used in advanced drug delivery systems.

5. Industrial Additives (Stabilizers & Metal Chelators). Beyond life sciences, the compound’s fluorescence and metal‑chelating properties are being investigated for specialty industrial applications, including security printing inks, polymer stabilizers, and components of UV‑curable coatings.

Global Market Landscape & Supply Chain

The global market for 4‑Methylumbelliferone remains relatively concentrated, with the Asia‑Pacific region serving as both the primary manufacturing hub for high‑purity API and cosmetic grades and the fastest‑growing consumption region, driven by expanding pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industries. Leading global manufacturers and distributors of 4‑Methylumbelliferone include Sigma‑Aldrich/Merck, TCI (Tokyo Chemical Industry), Alfa Aesar (Thermo Fisher Scientific), BOC Sciences, and Selleck Chemicals. Chinese manufacturers produce high‑purity material at competitive prices.

Market research indicates that the global Hymecromone (4‑methylumbelliferone) API market is experiencing steady growth, with projections anticipating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5‑8 % over the next five years. Future demand will be driven by the continued exploration of 4‑MU in anticancer and antifibrotic therapies, the expansion of enzyme substrate applications in diagnostics and environmental monitoring, the rising trend of “science‑backed” active ingredients in cosmeceutical formulations, and the growing utilization of coumarin derivatives in advanced functional materials.

Storage, Stability & Regulatory Considerations

4‑Methylumbelliferone should be stored at room temperature (15‑25 °C) in a tightly sealed, dry, light‑protected container, kept away from strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. The powder is stable for up to three years when stored as supplied, while solutions in DMSO are stable for up to one year at –80 °C. Hazard statements: H315 (causes skin irritation) and H319 (causes serious eye irritation). Precautions: Wear chemical‑resistant gloves, safety glasses, and appropriate respiratory protection; wash thoroughly after handling.

In the European Union, 4‑Methylumbelliferone is subject to REACH regulations and importers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS). In the United States, it is regulated under TSCA as a research chemical; 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 may be subject to safety production licences for manufacturing facilities.

Future Outlook

The market outlook for 4‑Methylumbelliferone is tied to four core drivers: (1) the sustained exploration of 4‑MU in drug repurposing studies for fibrosis, cancer, and autoimmune diseases; (2) the expanding use of fluorogenic enzyme substrates (e.g., 4‑MUG) in molecular diagnostics and environmental testing; (3) the “cosmeceutical” trend, where consumers increasingly demand active ingredients with proven biochemical mechanisms; and (4) the growth of Asian CRO/CDMO sectors supplying intermediates to global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)

As a world‑leading supplier of pharmaceutical intermediates, specialty biochemicals, and cosmetic raw materials, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the API manufacturing, cosmeceutical, and research industries. Relying on core advantages in multi‑step coumarin synthesis, purification, and quality assurance, we provide high‑quality 4‑Methylumbelliferone (Hymecromone, CAS 90-33-5) to global customers.

1. Technical Advantages

High Purity & Consistency: Our product achieves purity ≥98‑99 % (HPLC), off‑white to pale yellow crystalline powder, molecular weight 176.17 g/mol, melting point 188.5‑190 °C, MDL MFCD00006866.
Low Impurity Profile: Strict control of residual solvents (<0.5 % total), heavy metals (≤10 ppm, ICH Q3D compliant), and related substances by HPLC‑UV ensures high synthetic performance for API and cosmetic manufacturing.
Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Grade Options: Available in both high‑purity research grade and cGMP‑compliant pharmaceutical grade with full ICH Q3C/Q3D documentation, as well as cosmetic‑grade lots suitable for personal care formulations.
Batch‑to‑Batch Uniformity: Rigorous analytical testing (HPLC, LC‑MS, heavy metals by ICP‑MS, residual solvents by GC‑headspace, Karl Fischer titration) guarantees consistent quality across all production lots.

2. Product Advantages

Integrated Supply Chain: From laboratory R&D packs (5 g, 10 g, 25 g, 50 g, 100 g, 500 g glass bottles) to pilot batches (1 kg HDPE containers) and bulk industrial orders (5 kg, 10 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg fiber drums), we ensure seamless scalability.
Fast & Reliable Logistics: Experienced in exporting to the Russian market, with comprehensive certification and customs documentation provided to guarantee smooth customs clearance.
Full Regulatory Support: XinChem’s technical team provides comprehensive impurity profiling, custom purification, and complete regulatory documentation (Certificate of Analysis, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, REACH compliance, TSCA certification, DMF support for pharmaceutical customers).
Flexible Packaging Options: Full custom packaging available for pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and research campaigns.

3. Application Fields

Pharmaceutical Intermediates: Key building block for Hymecromone API (choleretic and biliary antispasmodic), novel anticancer and antifibrotic drug candidates, and specialized pharmaceutical intermediates.
Biochemical Reagents: Selective hyaluronic acid synthesis inhibitor (IC₅₀ = 0.4 mM); fluorogenic substrate for β‑glucuronidase (4‑MUG) and other hydrolases in enzyme assays and clinical diagnostics.
Cosmetic Ingredients: Active ingredient for skin‑brightening, anti‑aging formulations, and hyaluronic acid‑regulating skincare products.
Organic Synthesis: Versatile coumarin building block for producing esters, fluorogenic probes, and specialty fine chemicals.
Industrial Specialties: Functional additive for security printing, UV‑curable coatings, and advanced polymer systems.

4. Service Support

Technical Data: COA, TDS, MSDS, heavy metal analysis (ICP‑MS), residual solvent report (GC‑headspace).
Regulatory Support: REACH, TSCA, DMF preparation.
Logistics: Cold‑chain shipping, just‑in‑time delivery, Russian customs clearance documentation.

5. Why Choose XinChem

Professionalism: 20 + years in the pharmaceutical intermediate, specialty biochemical, and fine chemical industries.
Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity specifications, packaging sizes, and regulatory documentation requirements.
Cost‑effectiveness: High purity at competitive industrial pricing.

Post time: Jun-01-2026

A Versatile Pharma Intermediate, Enzyme Substrate & Cosmetic Ingredient: 4-Methylumbelliferone (CAS 90-33-5)