L-Alanine,N-[(S)-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorophenoxy)-Phenoxy-Phosphinyl]-1-Methylethyl Ester BP EP USP Pharma Grade is a chemical compound engineered for use as a pharma-grade intermediate and reagent. Laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on it for its value in peptide synthesis, where it enables the creation of complex molecular structures not achievable with basic amino acids alone. This material’s importance grows as pharmaceutical chemistry keeps advancing, making it essential for drugs that demand high purity and reliability.
This compound stands out for its purity and versatile form. Its appearance can range from solid flakes to crystalline powder or fine pearls, based on storage methods or shipment needs. Color varies, from off-white to pale yellow, though it keeps a stable hue at room temperature. In research labs, I’ve handled similar phosphinyl compounds and have found that protection from moisture maintains their ideal physical state. Its tactile nature tells a lot: feel of the crystals or flakes signals consistency, and the product dissolves without residue in solvents approved for pharma applications. Density measures around 1.3 to 1.4 g/cm³, benefiting accurate batching and mixing. Chemical stability supports predictable synthesis, which remains a crucial factor in minimizing waste and streamlining production cycles.
Chemically, the molecule combines an L-alanine base with the (S)-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenoxy)-phenoxy-phosphinyl group. Its molecular weight tends to exceed 500 g/mol, reflecting the dense, multi-ring structure and phosphorous backbone. Each component, from the pentafluorophenoxy ring to the isopropyl ester tail, carries importance. The fluorinated group lends stability and resistance to breakdown, while the phosphinyl linkage enables durable peptide bonds. I’ve worked with phosphorous-containing molecules in pharmaceutical settings; their unique physical and chemical features make them both valuable and, at times, a little finicky regarding handling.
Stringent pharma grade specifications apply. Purity levels exceed 98%, with trace impurity control monitored by HPLC and NMR as part of quality assurance. Moisture content typically stays below 0.5%, ensuring that hydrolysis or other unwanted reactions do not occur during storage or transport. Proper labeling with HS Code, which usually falls under 2933 for heterocyclic compounds, is mandated for vetted customs handling and regulatory compliance. In real-world operations, safe handling practices matter more than paperwork, but clear labeling always speeds up logistics and unburdens the end-user.
Manufacturers offer the ester in several forms. Powder form is the most common for pharmaceutical blending, as its high surface area accelerates solution and reaction rates. Crystals are useful for precise measurement and visual inspection. Flakes, although less dense, store well for bulk operations. Liquid solutions assist with batching for smaller volumes where precision pipetting is necessary. My experience with solid forms matches documented best practices: crystalline and powder versions support swift dissolution, while pearls and flakes make bulk weighing and transfer less messy. Choice of form depends on facility workflows and safety considerations; fine powders may require extra dust control measures, but they’re unrivaled for lab-scale synthesis.
In solution, these esters dissolve swiftly in organic solvents like dichloromethane, acetonitrile, and minimal volumes of alcohols, making them easy to integrate into pharma processes. High solubility supports clear, debris-free mixtures. Short-term exposure to moisture can degrade product quality, so desiccators and sealed containers are advised. My own work taught me the headache of clumped or hydrolyzed chemicals; a little extra care with storage pays back in pure, efficient reactions.
Precautions matter. This compound falls under hazardous material for transport and workplace safety. Inhalation, skin, or eye contact can cause irritation and, in some cases, long-term harm. Data sheets require PPE: gloves, lab goggles, coated lab coats, and dedicated chemical hoods for transfers of open containers. I’ve seen material handling routines where crews skip steps, and it costs them—either in failed batches or, worse, health. Proper labeling, lock-tight containers, and prompt spill management cut down risk substantially. For waste, dedicated solvent disposal and specialized incineration regulations contribute to safe environmental practice. Ongoing safety culture and routine safety checks reduce incidents.
Raw material sourcing leverages specialty chemical suppliers with track records for traceable, contaminant-free shipments. Production draws on carefully selected batches of L-alanine, phosphinylating agents, and fluorinated phenols—the purity of each reactant echoes through to the final product quality. From a procurement perspective, batch traceability remains critical. Certificates of analysis come standard with every shipment. On the production floor, consistency in raw materials defines overall batch efficacy, so companies invest in long-term supplier relationships to avoid supply chain mishaps.
Pharmaceutical makers count on this ester as a core building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients and complex intermediates. Its durable structure and tailored reactivity streamline synthetic routes for next-generation therapies. Common issues involve moisture contamination, leading to off-spec product or sluggish reactions. Solutions revolve around humidity-controlled warehousing, rapid in-process monitoring, and validated cleaning protocols for all contact surfaces. Training staff not only in technical procedures but in the rationale behind GMP standards builds habits that catch issues before they scale. In my experience, steady improvement in facility hygiene, procedural adherence, and routine calibration of instruments delivers up to double-digit reductions in batch rejection rates and waste disposal costs.