Alpha-Amino-2-ethylbutanoic Acid丨CAS 2566-29-2

α-Amino-2-ethylbutanoic acid is a chiral amino acid widely used as an intermediate in pharmaceutical and peptide synthesis. Its α-amino and carboxylic acid functional groups allow incorporation into peptides, peptidomimetics, and other bioactive molecules, enabling the exploration of structure–activity relationships (SAR) in drug discovery. It is particularly valuable in the synthesis of enzyme inhibitors, receptor modulators, and CNS-active agents, where the stereochemistry and side-chain branching can influence binding affinity and selectivity. Additionally, it serves as a building block for the preparation of amino acid derivatives, chiral auxiliaries, and specialty compounds in organic synthesis, as well as for research in medicinal chemistry and biochemistry.

The benefits of α-amino-2-ethylbutanoic acid arise from its stereochemical purity, functional versatility, and chemical stability. Its chiral center provides defined stereochemistry, which is critical for producing enantiomerically pure peptides and small molecules with predictable biological activity. The amino and carboxylic acid groups allow for efficient coupling reactions, amidation, and esterification, supporting multi-step synthesis and derivatization. The ethyl side chain adds hydrophobic character and steric bulk, which can enhance molecular recognition and improve pharmacokinetic properties in downstream molecules. Its high purity and reproducible reactivity make it suitable for laboratory-scale research and scalable pharmaceutical production.