D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is a stereochemically specified amino acid ester derived from D-aspartic acid, featuring the β-carboxyl group converted to a benzyl ester while retaining the amino acid backbone. The molecule contains a free α-amino functionality and an α-carboxyl group, with the β-side chain bearing a benzyl-protected carboxyl ester that modulates polarity and provides a masked acidic handle for controlled reactivity. As an amino acid ester intermediate, it is used in peptide and amino acid derivative synthesis where stepwise protection and selective deprotection of carboxyl functionalities are required, and it can serve as a substrate for chemical transformations that depend on the differential availability of the α- and β-carboxyl groups.

Designed for biological research and industrial applications, not intended for individual clinical or medical purposes.

CAT No: CP00442

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M.W/Mr.
223.2

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is a D-configured amino acid ester in which the side-chain carboxyl group is present as an esterified β-benzyl functionality, while the α-amino and α-carboxyl framework is maintained for controlled reactivity. The molecule bears a stereogenic center at the α-carbon, enabling stereochemically defined incorporation into peptide coupling sequences or conversion into chiral intermediates. The benzyl ester motif provides acid-stable protection under many peptide synthesis conditions and can be removed through hydrogenolysis to reveal the free β-carboxyl group for subsequent amide formation. The overall structure combines an amino functionality with an ester-protected side chain, supporting downstream derivatization, protecting-group strategies, and intermediate preparation for amino acid chemistry workflows.

1. Peptide Synthesis

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is applied in peptide coupling chemistry where a D-aspartate residue with a protected β-carboxyl group is required to control regioselectivity during chain assembly. The benzyl ester on the side-chain carboxyl helps prevent premature side-chain acylation, while the amino acid backbone supports standard peptide bond formation after appropriate N-protection selection in the synthetic sequence. Benzyl ester stability under typical coupling conditions can support sequential N- and C-terminal construction, followed by deprotection to expose the β-carboxyl for further elongation or functionalization. The D stereochemistry enables access to D-aspartyl peptide segments used in peptide science and stereochemically defined analog generation.

2. Side-Chain Functionalization

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester serves as a chiral intermediate for side-chain carboxyl activation and subsequent functional group transformation after benzyl ester cleavage. The protected β-carboxyl can be converted into amides, esters, or activated acyl derivatives, enabling installation of diverse substituents at the aspartate side chain for molecular recognition studies and peptidomimetic construction. The D configuration can be leveraged to tune stereochemical outcomes in downstream conjugates and to generate stereochemically pure building blocks for structure-activity relationship studies. The amino acid ester format also supports controlled intermediate handling in fine chemical synthesis where orthogonal protection is required.

3. Chiral Building Block Development

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is suitable for chiral synthesis routes that require a defined D-aspartate stereocenter and a removable benzyl ester protecting group for orthogonal functional group management. The benzyl ester provides a handle for staged deprotection, allowing the β-carboxyl to be unveiled at a planned step while other functional groups remain protected or selectively reactive. The amino acid architecture supports conversion into protected amino acid derivatives, including formats that can be used as peptide building blocks or as starting materials for stereocontrolled derivatization. The resulting chiral intermediate value aligns with process chemistry needs for reproducible stereochemical delivery in amino acid derivative manufacturing.

4. Bioconjugation Chemistry

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester can be employed in bioconjugation workflows where D-aspartate-derived linkers or acylating groups are introduced to biomolecules with controlled functional group presentation. The benzyl-protected β-carboxyl can be deprotected to generate a carboxylate suitable for coupling chemistries that form stable amide bonds with amine-bearing targets. The D configuration can be used to construct conjugates with defined stereochemistry at the aspartate residue, supporting chemical biology studies that compare stereoisomer effects in labeling and biomolecule modification. The ester-to-acid conversion strategy enables downstream preparation of acyl donors and conjugation-ready intermediates.

5. Pharmaceutical Intermediate Preparation

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is relevant to pharmaceutical intermediate preparation where orthogonally protected amino acid derivatives are needed for controlled assembly of peptidic or peptidomimetic fragments. The benzyl ester on the β-carboxyl helps manage side-chain reactivity during multi-step synthesis, supporting selective transformations that lead to protected or activated forms of D-aspartate. The stereogenic center and protected functional group pattern can be incorporated into larger synthetic sequences for drug discovery chemistry programs that require stereochemically defined building blocks. The compound's compatibility with protection/deprotection logic aligns with industrial fine chemical synthesis practices for amino acid-based intermediates.

6. Process Chemistry Intermediate

D-Aspartic acid β-benzyl ester is suitable for process chemistry intermediate preparation because it combines a stable benzyl ester protecting group with a D-aspartate framework that can be carried through manufacturing steps with controlled functional group exposure. The ester protection strategy can reduce side reactions associated with free β-carboxyl reactivity during coupling or derivatization operations, supporting robust intermediate handling. The ability to generate the free β-carboxylic acid after hydrogenolysis enables downstream conversion into activated derivatives for further manufacturing steps or formulation-related synthesis. The compound thereby functions as a practical chiral amino acid ester intermediate for industrial chemical manufacturing routes requiring stereochemical fidelity and orthogonal protection.

Abbr
H-D-Asp(OBzl)-OH

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