(R)-N-BOC-3-Aminobutyric acid (CAS# 159991-23-8), also known as Boc-D-β-homoalanine, (R)-3-(Boc-amino)butyric acid, or (3R)-3-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino]butanoic acid, is a protected non-proteinogenic chiral β-amino acid with the molecular formula C₉H₁₇NO₄ and a molecular weight of 203.24 g/mol. Its molecular structure consists of a butyric acid backbone with an amine group at the C-3 position, featuring the (R) configuration at the chiral center, with the amine protected by a tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group. As a white to off-white crystalline powder with a melting point of 104–107°C, this compound is soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and acetone, and is slightly soluble in water.
(R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid is a chiral, non-proteinogenic β-amino acid that serves as a crucial building block in modern medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical development. Its unique structural properties, conferred by the Boc protecting group, make it an invaluable intermediate for the synthesis of complex peptide analogs and other bioactive molecules. The enantiopure R-configuration ensures correct right-handed helical sense in β-peptide foldamers and drug conjugates, while the Boc group provides stability and allows for controlled, regioselective reactions. Its structural similarity to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)—the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system—also makes its derivatives subjects of interest in neuroscience research. 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 strategically important chiral β-amino acid building block.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid (CAS# 159991-23-8) is concentrated in three primary sectors: peptide synthesis and foldamer research (approximately 40–45% of global consumption), pharmaceutical impurity reference standards and drug development (approximately 35–40%), and neuroscience research and bioactive molecule synthesis (approximately 15–20%). Its enantiopure R-configuration, Boc-protected amine functionality, and free carboxylic acid serve as the core drivers of sustained demand growth across all sectors.
In peptide synthesis and foldamer research, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid serves as the enantiopure D-β-homoalanine building block that ensures correct right-handed helical sense in β-peptide foldamers and drug conjugates. The Boc protecting group is compatible with standard Boc/Benzyl solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) protocols, eliminating the need for Fmoc-to-Boc re-protection steps. This compatibility makes the compound a versatile building block for both solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis. Researchers utilize this compound to create complex peptide structures with specific functionalities, enabling the study of peptide folding, stability, and biological activity. The compound is widely utilized in the synthesis of peptides, allowing researchers to create complex structures with specific functionalities.
In pharmaceutical impurity reference standards and drug development, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid plays a critical role as Suvorexant Impurity 43 (Belsomra QC) , serving as an essential reference standard for quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The stereochemical purity of the R-enantiomer (not the S-enantiomer) is specifically required for this application. The compound is used in the design of novel pharmaceutical compounds, particularly in the development of peptide-based therapeutics and small molecule drugs. Its structural similarity to GABA makes its derivatives valuable in the development of central nervous system-targeting drugs. The precursor, (R)-3-aminobutyric acid, is a key intermediate in the production of significant therapeutics such as the antiretroviral drug dolutegravir, underscoring the industrial importance of this chemical family. The compound also finds application in protein engineering research.
In neuroscience research, the structural similarity of (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) makes its derivatives subjects of interest in studying the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system. This has implications for understanding neurological disorders and developing new therapeutic approaches.
In organic synthesis and research, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid serves as a valuable building block for the synthesis of peptide analogs and pharmacologically active molecules. It is also used in studies of enantioselective bioactivity and plant pathology.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid (CAS# 159991-23-8) features a pattern of “specialized chiral building block suppliers, research chemical distributors, and Chinese manufacturers serving distinct market segments.” As a specialized chiral β-amino acid rather than a bulk commodity, the market is characterized by a moderate number of suppliers catering to pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, and academic research.
In the global research and high-purity segment, key international suppliers include Chem-Impex International, offering the compound at ≥98% (HPLC) purity; BenchChem, providing multiple pack sizes (0.25 g, 1 g, 5 g, 10 g, and bulk custom); AKSci, offering 97% purity; and Parchem, supplying the compound for research applications. Other suppliers include Alfa Chemical and various research chemical distributors serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology communities.
In the industrial and large-scale production segment, Chinese manufacturers have emerged as significant players in the global supply chain. XinChem is a reliable manufacturer and supplier of high-purity (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid from China. Additional Chinese suppliers include Sichuan Tongsheng Amino Acid Co., Ltd. and other manufacturers concentrated in major chemical regions such as Hubei, Shanghai, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang. Chinese suppliers offer the compound at various purity grades (typically ≥95% to ≥98%) and packaging sizes ranging from grams to kilograms, serving both domestic and export markets with competitive pricing.
Regional Market Dynamics
The global (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid market exhibits distinct regional characteristics, with production concentrated in Asia-Pacific (particularly China) and consumption distributed across North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, aligned with the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research industries in these regions. According to market research reports, the global market for this compound has been analyzed across multiple regions including North America, East Asia, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Oceania, and South America.
The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a significant production hub for (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid, with China hosting numerous manufacturers and suppliers including XinChem. 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 and peptide synthesis sectors in China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia continue to drive regional consumption growth.
North America remains a key market for high-purity and research-grade (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid, driven by demand from the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, and academic research institutions. The United States hosts numerous research organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and contract research organizations that require high-quality chiral building blocks for drug discovery, peptide synthesis, and impurity reference standard 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, peptide synthesis laboratories, and research institutions demand high-purity chiral building blocks with comprehensive documentation. The region’s strong pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors support steady demand for enantiopure β-amino acid derivatives.
Japan represents a specialized market where the compound is applied in advanced peptide research, pharmaceutical development, and neuroscience studies.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
As a research chemical, pharmaceutical intermediate, and impurity reference standard, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid (CAS# 159991-23-8) is subject to regulatory oversight in major global economies. Compliance with relevant regulations is essential for market access and trade.
In the United States, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid is intended for research and development use only and is not intended for therapeutic, food, cosmetic, or consumer applications unless explicitly stated otherwise. 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: (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid is classified with the signal word “Warning”. Hazard statements include H302 (Harmful if swallowed). Precautionary statements include P264, P270, P301+P312, P330, and P501. The compound should be stored at 2–8°C in sealed, dry conditions. The WGK Germany classification is 3 (high hazard to water). Personal protective equipment including lab gloves, safety glasses, or face shields should be worn during handling, and good ventilation conditions should be maintained. When storing, it should be kept in a dry, cool place away from oxidizing agents or flammable materials.
For international transport, (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid 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. The compound is typically shipped in sealed containers at 0–8°C.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid is positive, supported by several key growth drivers across its major application segments. While the compound remains a relatively specialized chiral building block, its enantiopure R-configuration and versatile Boc-protected functionality position it for steady growth in the coming years.
Key growth drivers include:
- Expansion of peptide therapeutics and foldamer research: The rapidly growing global market for peptide-based therapeutics and the increasing interest in β-peptide foldamers drive demand for enantiopure β-amino acid building blocks.
- Growth in pharmaceutical R&D and impurity standards: Increasing investment in drug discovery and development, particularly in central nervous system-targeting drugs and peptide-based therapeutics, supports demand for high-quality chiral building blocks and impurity reference standards.
- Suvorexant impurity standard requirement: The compound’s specific role as Suvorexant Impurity 43 (Belsomra QC) ensures steady demand from pharmaceutical quality control laboratories.
- Expansion of neuroscience research: Growing interest in GABA-related research and neurological disorder drug development supports demand for GABA analogs and derivatives.
- Increasing focus on chiral synthesis: The growing emphasis on stereochemically pure pharmaceutical compounds drives demand for enantiopure chiral building blocks like (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid.
Challenges and considerations:
- Regulatory compliance: Increasingly stringent pharmaceutical and chemical regulations may require ongoing investment in quality systems and documentation.
- Competition from alternative protecting groups: The market faces competition from other protected amino acid derivatives, including Fmoc-protected analogs.
- Limited scale: As a relatively specialized compound, the market for (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid is smaller than that of commodity chemicals.
- Stereochemical purity requirements: The specific requirement for the R-enantiomer (not the S-enantiomer) in certain applications necessitates rigorous quality control and enantiomeric purity assurance.
To succeed in this evolving market landscape, suppliers must focus on product quality (particularly enantiomeric purity, chemical purity, and batch-to-batch consistency), supply chain reliability, regulatory compliance, and responsive customer service. Companies that can offer high-purity products with comprehensive Certificates of Analysis (COA) for method validation and regulatory traceability, flexible packaging options, and technical support for peptide synthesis and pharmaceutical applications will be well-positioned to capture growing demand.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and chiral building blocks, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) is dedicated to meeting the innovative needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, peptide synthesis, and fine chemical industries. Leveraging extensive experience and advanced manufacturing capabilities, XinChem provides high-quality (R)-N-BOC-3-Aminobutyric Acid (CAS# 159991-23-8) to customers worldwide. As a trusted manufacturer and supplier based in China since 2005, XinChem combines competitive pricing, reliable supply, and exceptional service to establish itself as a preferred partner for research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and industrial manufacturers seeking this versatile enantiopure chiral β-amino acid 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 (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid products. The production process incorporates established synthetic routes—including the protection of (R)-3-aminobutyric acid using di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc₂O) under basic conditions—enabling the delivery of products with purity ≥95% to ≥98% (HPLC) to meet diverse application requirements. Strict process control ensures consistent enantiomeric purity (R-configuration), minimal impurities, and batch-to-batch reproducibility, providing customers with reliable performance in peptide synthesis, pharmaceutical impurity standards, and drug discovery applications.
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), melting point, optical rotation, and impurity profiles. This commitment to quality ensures that XinChem’s (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid meets the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, and impurity reference standard applications.
2. Product Advantages
High Purity and Consistent Quality
XinChem offers (R)-N-BOC-3-aminobutyric acid with purity ≥95% to ≥98% (HPLC), ensuring optimal performance in peptide synthesis, pharmaceutical impurity standards, and drug discovery applications. The product’s high purity minimizes the risk of unwanted side reactions and impurities, making it suitable for demanding applications in pharmaceutical quality control and peptide-based therapeutic development.
Comprehensive Specifications
Key specifications include:
- Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₇NO₄
- Molecular Weight: 203.24 g/mol
- CAS Number: 159991-23-8
- MDL Number: MFCD00270343
- Synonyms: Boc-D-β-homoalanine, Boc-D-β-HomoAla-OH, (R)-3-(Boc-amino)butyric acid
- Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
- Purity: ≥95% to ≥98% (HPLC)
- Melting Point: 104–107°C
- Storage: 2–8°C, sealed in dry conditions
- Solubility: Soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, DMSO, and acetone; slightly soluble in water
Flexible Packaging Solutions
XinChem provides a range of packaging options to accommodate diverse customer needs, from laboratory-scale quantities to industrial-scale packaging and bulk shipments. Customized packaging solutions are available upon request, ensuring safe handling, storage, and transportation. Custom synthesis is available on request.
3. Application Fields
As a versatile enantiopure chiral β-amino acid building block, (R)-N-BOC-3-Aminobutyric Acid (CAS# 159991-23-8) exhibits wide application value across multiple industries:
Peptide Synthesis and Foldamer Research:
- Enantiopure D-β-homoalanine building block for β-peptide foldamers and drug conjugates
- Compatible with standard Boc/Benzyl solid-phase and solution-phase peptide synthesis protocols
- Building block for creating complex peptide structures with specific functionalities
- Tool for studying peptide folding, stability, and biological activity
Pharmaceutical Impurity Reference Standards:
- Suvorexant Impurity 43 (Belsomra QC) reference standard
- Reference standard for pharmaceutical quality control and method validation
- Impurity profiling in pharmaceutical manufacturing
Drug Discovery and Development:
- Building block for novel pharmaceutical compounds
- Intermediate for peptide-based therapeutics and small molecule drugs
- Precursor for central nervous system-targeting drug development
Neuroscience Research:
- GABA analog for studying neurotransmitter systems
- Tool for neurological disorder research
Organic Synthesis:
- Valuable building block for peptide analogs and pharmacologically active molecules
- Reagent for enantioselective bioactivity studies
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 protocols, guidance on deprotection strategies, or assistance with regulatory documentation, XinChem’s technical experts are ready to help. Custom synthesis and contract manufacturing with flexible scaling from R&D to commercial quantities are available upon request.
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 appropriate temperature control (2–8°C) for product stability.
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, including REACH, TSCA, and other regional regulations, 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 since 2005.
- Quality: Rigorous quality control, high purity (≥95% to ≥98%), 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 including COA for method validation.
Contact us today to start your partnership with XinChem!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Sep-01-2026