The Enantiopure D-Serine Building Block for Advanced Peptide Synthesis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Asymmetric Synthesis: Boc-D-Serine Methyl Ester (CAS# 95715-85-8)

Boc-D-Serine methyl ester (CAS# 95715-85-8), also known as N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-D-serine methyl ester, Boc-D-Ser-OMe, (R)-methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-hydroxypropanoate, or N-Boc-D-serine methylester, is a protected chiral amino acid derivative with the molecular formula C₉H₁₇NO₅ and a molecular weight of 219.24 g/mol. Its molecular structure features a D-serine backbone with a tert-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) protecting group on the α-amino functionality and a methyl ester at the carboxyl terminus. The D-configuration at the α-carbon (R-stereochemistry) confers chirality that is essential for its applications in asymmetric synthesis, peptide chemistry, and medicinal chemistry.

As a colorless to light yellow clear liquid with a boiling point of 215°C, a refractive index of 1.45, and a specific gravity of 1.14 (20/20), the compound exhibits a specific optical rotation of +15.0° to +21.0° (c=5, MeOH). It is stable when stored at 2–8°C or at room temperature in a cool, dark place (<15°C). The compound is supplied at ≥98.0% purity (HPLC) and is highly soluble in organic solvents, with enhanced lipid solubility conferred by the methyl ester functionality.

Boc-D-Serine methyl ester stands out as a derivative of the naturally occurring D-serine, predominantly employed in advanced peptide synthesis endeavors. As a protective group derivative with a tert-butyloxycarbonyl moiety, it ensures stability and facilitates selective reactions in complex peptide chains. Its role as a methyl ester enhances lipid solubility, crucial for organic synthesis protocols. Researchers utilize it for intricate studies involving chirality and peptide chain architecture, invaluable in protein engineering and medicinal chemistry. 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 strategically important chiral building block.

Core Application Fields and Demand

Market demand for Boc-D-Serine methyl ester (CAS# 95715-85-8) is concentrated in three primary sectors: advanced peptide synthesis and peptide chain architecture studies (approximately 45–50% of global consumption), medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing (approximately 30–35%), and asymmetric synthesis and chiral research (approximately 15–20%). Its enantiopure D-configuration, orthogonal protecting group strategy, and enhanced lipid solubility serve as the core drivers of sustained demand growth.

In advanced peptide synthesis and peptide chain architecture studies, Boc-D-serine methyl ester is predominantly employed in advanced peptide synthesis endeavors. The Boc protecting group ensures stability and facilitates selective reactions in complex peptide chains, while the methyl ester enhances lipid solubility, crucial for organic synthesis protocols. Researchers utilize it for intricate studies involving chirality and peptide chain architecture, invaluable in protein engineering and medicinal chemistry. The compound serves as a synthetic building block for the preparation of complex peptide-based structures and is used in the synthesis of non-proteinogenic amino acid derivatives, including orthogonally protected 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid (Dap) methyl esters. In peptide chemistry, the D-configuration of serine is particularly valuable for creating peptides with enhanced metabolic stability and altered biological activity compared to their L-counterparts.

In medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical intermediate manufacturing, Boc-D-serine methyl ester is used as an intermediate in the preparation of more complex molecules. It serves as a building block for pharmaceuticals, where the D-serine residue is incorporated into drugs with specific biological targets. The compound is classified as an organic synthesis intermediate and is used in the synthesis of pharmaceutical intermediates. The D-serine scaffold is increasingly recognized for its role in developing drugs targeting the central nervous system, as D-serine itself functions as a co-agonist at the NMDA receptor, with implications for schizophrenia, depression, and other neurological disorders. Boc-D-serine methyl ester enables the incorporation of this biologically relevant moiety into drug candidates with controlled stereochemistry.

In asymmetric synthesis and chiral research, Boc-D-serine methyl ester serves as a valuable chiral building block. Researchers utilize it for intricate studies involving chirality and peptide chain architecture. The compound is used in the synthesis of 2,3-diaminopropanols obtained from D-serine as intermediates for protected 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid derivatives. Its enantiopure D-configuration guarantees correct stereochemical outcomes in asymmetric synthesis and diastereomer preparation.

In organic synthesis and research, Boc-D-serine methyl ester is used as a protected amino acid derivative for various synthetic applications. The Boc group enables selective acid-labile deprotection, while the methyl ester ensures efficient C-terminal activation and enhanced solubility in organic media.

Major Market Participants

The global supply system for Boc-D-Serine methyl ester (CAS# 95715-85-8) features a pattern of “specialized peptide synthesis suppliers, multinational chemical distributors, and Chinese manufacturers serving distinct market segments.” As a specialized chiral building block rather than a bulk commodity, the market is characterized by a moderate number of suppliers catering to pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and academic research.

In the global research and high-purity segment, key international suppliers include Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI), offering the compound at >98.0% purity (HPLC)(N); Thermo Fisher Scientific (Acros Organics), offering 97% purity; Sigma-Aldrich (Merck), offering 97% purity; BOC Sciences, offering ≥98% (HPLC) purity; Aladdin Scientific, offering ≥98% purity; and Chem-Impex International, offering high-purity research-grade material. Other suppliers include Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Indofine Chemical Company, and various research chemical distributors serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology communities. These suppliers serve the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and academic research communities with products that meet rigorous quality specifications.

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 Boc-D-Serine methyl ester from China. Chinese suppliers offer the compound at various purity grades (typically 97% to 98%) and packaging sizes ranging from grams to kilograms, serving both domestic and export markets with competitive pricing.

Regional Market Dynamics

The global Boc-D-Serine methyl ester 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, peptide synthesis, and academic research industries in these regions.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a significant production hub for Boc-D-Serine methyl ester, 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 peptide synthesis industries. Chinese suppliers offer the compound at various purity grades and packaging options, serving both domestic and export markets. The growing pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, and biotechnology 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 Boc-D-Serine methyl ester, driven by demand from the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology companies, CROs, 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 medicinal chemistry. Thermo Fisher Scientific and Sigma-Aldrich serve the North American market with extensive distribution networks. 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. TCI and other distributors serve the European market with in-stock availability.

Japan represents a specialized market where Boc-D-Serine methyl ester is supplied by Tokyo Chemical Industry (TCI) and other distributors for pharmaceutical research, peptide synthesis, and fine chemical applications.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

As a research chemical, pharmaceutical intermediate, and peptide synthesis building block, Boc-D-Serine methyl ester (CAS# 95715-85-8) is subject to regulatory oversight in major global economies. Compliance with relevant regulations is essential for market access and trade.

GHS classification and handling: Boc-D-Serine methyl ester should be handled with standard laboratory safety practices. The compound is classified as a combustible liquid and should be stored at 2–8°C or at room temperature in a cool, dark place (<15°C). Personal protective equipment including lab gloves, safety glasses, or face shields should be worn during handling, and good ventilation conditions should be maintained. The compound is stable when stored under recommended conditions.

Transport information: Boc-D-Serine methyl ester requires proper packaging, labeling, and documentation for international shipping. The HS number for import/export is 2924297099. The compound is not classified as hazardous material for DOT/IATA transport purposes under standard conditions.

Regulatory compliance: 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. In the United States, Boc-D-Serine methyl ester is intended for research and development use only and is not intended for therapeutic, food, cosmetic, or consumer applications unless explicitly stated otherwise. For pharmaceutical intermediate applications, manufacturers must comply with relevant FDA regulations and quality standards.

Future Outlook

The market outlook for Boc-D-Serine methyl ester is positive, supported by several key growth drivers across its major application segments. While the compound remains a relatively specialized chiral building block, its essential role in advanced peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis positions 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 USD 50 billion by 2030—drives demand for high-quality protected amino acid building blocks, including Boc-D-Serine methyl ester, for both research and commercial peptide manufacturing.
2. Growth in D-amino acid research: Increasing recognition of the biological significance of D-amino acids, particularly D-serine as a co-agonist at NMDA receptors, drives demand for enantiopure D-amino acid derivatives for neurological drug discovery.
3. Expansion of medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical R&D: 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.
4. Growth in non-proteinogenic amino acid synthesis: The compound’s role as a precursor for orthogonally protected 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid derivatives and other non-proteinogenic amino acids supports its use in advanced synthetic chemistry.
5. Increasing focus on chirality in drug development: The growing emphasis on stereochemically pure pharmaceutical compounds drives demand for enantiopure chiral building blocks like Boc-D-Serine methyl ester.

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 Fmoc-protected amino acid derivatives for certain peptide synthesis applications.
• Limited scale: As a relatively specialized compound, the market for Boc-D-Serine methyl ester is smaller than that of commodity amino acids.
• Stereochemical purity requirements: The specific requirement for the D-enantiomer (not the racemic mixture or L-enantiomer) 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) confirming enantiomeric purity, 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 Boc-D-Serine Methyl Ester (CAS# 95715-85-8) 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 research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, peptide synthesis laboratories, and biotechnology companies seeking this versatile enantiopure N-Boc-protected D-serine 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 Boc-D-Serine methyl ester products. The production process incorporates established synthetic routes—including the protection of D-serine methyl ester using di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Boc₂O) under controlled conditions—enabling the delivery of products with purity ≥98% (HPLC) to meet diverse application requirements. Strict process control ensures consistent enantiomeric purity (D-configuration), minimal impurities, and batch-to-batch reproducibility, providing customers with reliable performance in peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis 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), specific optical rotation (+15.0° to +21.0°, c=5, MeOH), boiling point (215°C), refractive index (1.45), and impurity profiles. This commitment to quality ensures that XinChem’s Boc-D-Serine methyl ester meets the stringent requirements of pharmaceutical R&D, peptide synthesis, and research applications.

2. Product Advantages

High Purity and Consistent Quality
XinChem offers Boc-D-Serine methyl ester with purity ≥98% (HPLC), ensuring optimal performance in peptide synthesis, medicinal chemistry, and asymmetric synthesis applications. The product’s high purity minimizes the risk of unwanted side reactions and impurities, making it suitable for demanding applications in drug discovery, peptide therapeutics, and fine chemical synthesis.

Comprehensive Specifications
Key specifications include:

• Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₇NO₅
• Molecular Weight: 219.24 g/mol
• CAS Number: 95715-85-8
• EINECS Number: 810-610-6
• MDL Number: MFCD00270516
• Synonyms: N-(tert-Butoxycarbonyl)-D-serine methyl ester; Boc-D-Ser-OMe; N-Boc-D-serine methylester; (R)-methyl 2-((tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino)-3-hydroxypropanoate
• Appearance: Colorless to light yellow clear liquid
• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC)
• Specific Optical Rotation: +15.0° to +21.0° (c=5, MeOH)
• Boiling Point: 215°C
• Refractive Index: 1.45
• Specific Gravity: 1.14 (20/20)
• Storage: 2–8°C, or room temperature in a cool, dark place (<15°C)

Flexible Packaging Solutions
XinChem provides a range of packaging options to accommodate diverse customer needs, from laboratory-scale quantities (grams) to industrial-scale packaging (kilograms) and bulk shipments. Customized packaging solutions are available upon request, ensuring safe handling, storage, and transportation.

3. Application Fields

As a versatile enantiopure N-Boc-protected D-serine building block, Boc-D-Serine Methyl Ester (CAS# 95715-85-8) exhibits wide application value across multiple industries:

Advanced Peptide Synthesis:

• Predominantly employed in advanced peptide synthesis endeavors
• Enables selective reactions in complex peptide chains via Boc protection
• Enhanced lipid solubility via methyl ester for organic synthesis protocols
• Intricate studies involving chirality and peptide chain architecture
• Protein engineering and medicinal chemistry applications
• Synthesis of orthogonally protected 2,3-diaminopropanoic acid derivatives

Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Intermediates:

• Intermediate for pharmaceutical synthesis
• Building block for drugs with specific biological targets
• Organic synthesis intermediate
• Pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis
• D-serine-containing drug candidates for CNS targets

Asymmetric Synthesis and Chiral Research:

• Chiral building block for asymmetric synthesis
• Precursor for 2,3-diaminopropanol intermediates
• Enantiopure D-configuration for stereochemical control

Organic Synthesis:

• Protected amino acid derivative for various synthetic applications
• Versatile intermediate for complex molecule synthesis

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 (HS 2924297099), with appropriate temperature control for product stability.

Regulatory Support
XinChem provides comprehensive documentation to support regulatory compliance, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), Certificates of Analysis (COA) with detailed spectral data for verification, 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.
• Quality: Rigorous quality control, high purity (≥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 confirming enantiomeric purity.

Contact us today to start your partnership with XinChem!

Website: www.xinchem.com

Email: sales1@xinchem.com

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