For-Phe-OMe contains a phenylalanine-derived amino acid framework in which the side chain is a benzyl group and the α-amino and α-carboxyl functionalities are present as an amino acid methyl ester, with the carboxyl group converted to a methoxy ester (-COOCH3). The molecule bears the amino functionality as indicated by the "For-" substituent and retains the aromatic ring of phenylalanine, enabling characteristic amide/ester-forming reactivity depending on the remaining functional group(s) available for coupling. For-Phe-OMe is used as an amino acid ester intermediate for peptide and peptidomimetic synthesis and for preparing phenylalanine-containing derivatives in solution-phase or solid-phase workflows where ester-protected carboxyl chemistry is required for controlled stepwise assembly.
CAT No: CP26829
CAS No:2311-21-9
Synonyms/Alias:N-Formyl-L-phenylalaninemethylester;SCHEMBL1274700;CTK8F9925;N-formylphenylalaninemethylester;OPHMCBWUQRAKEO-JTQLQIEISA-N;Formyl-L-phenylalaninemethylester;ZINC2526309;2311-21-9
For-Phe-OMe is an amino acid methyl ester derivative of L-phenylalanine in which the α-amino group is protected by a formyl-type protecting group, yielding a chiral, stereodefined building block. The structure combines a stereogenic center at the α-carbon with a benzyl side chain and a methyl ester at the carboxylate, creating a protected amino acid ester suitable for controlled peptide coupling chemistry. The N-protection pattern modulates amide bond formation by reducing free amine reactivity, while the ester functionality enables downstream transformations such as hydrolysis, transesterification, or conversion to activated acyl derivatives. The overall reactivity profile supports stepwise synthesis where selective deprotection and functional group interconversion are required to access peptide-ready intermediates and chemically defined analogs.
1. Protected Amino Acid Synthesis
For-Phe-OMe is used in protected amino acid synthesis workflows where N-protection and esterification are employed to manage chemoselectivity during peptide building block preparation. The formyl-protected amino group and methyl ester group together control the balance between acylation and side reactions, enabling sequential steps that may include ester activation for coupling or controlled deprotection to regenerate an amino functionality. The stereogenic α-center of the phenylalanine framework supports stereochemically consistent incorporation into peptide chains and chiral intermediate sequences. Downstream processing can convert the methyl ester into carboxylic acid or activated derivatives for further synthetic elaboration, aligning with fine chemical synthesis and research-grade intermediate preparation.
2. Peptide Coupling Chemistry
For-Phe-OMe is applied in peptide synthesis as a phenylalanine methyl ester building block designed for amide bond formation under conditions compatible with N-protection. The protected amino group reduces undesired nucleophilicity, while the ester carbonyl can be transformed into coupling-ready carboxyl equivalents or used as part of a protected segment strategy. The phenyl side chain provides a stable aromatic handle for incorporation into peptide sequences and peptidomimetic scaffolds where hydrophobic and π-interaction contributions are relevant to molecular recognition. The resulting derivatives can be carried forward into protected peptide fragments, supporting stepwise assembly of defined sequences and stereochemically controlled analog libraries.
3. Peptidomimetic Building Blocks
For-Phe-OMe is suitable for peptidomimetic construction in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry research where phenylalanine-derived motifs are embedded into non-natural backbones. The combination of an N-protected amino group and a methyl ester enables conversion into alternative functional formats, such as carboxylic acids for coupling to heterocycles or amide-forming handles for scaffold diversification. The aromatic side chain can participate in structure-activity relationship studies by providing consistent steric and electronic features across analog series. The protected amino acid ester format supports iterative synthesis of constrained or modified analogs, facilitating downstream generation of molecular probes and SAR-focused intermediates.
4. Chiral Intermediate For Derivatization
For-Phe-OMe is employed as a chiral amino acid intermediate for stereoselective derivatization and downstream functional group interconversion. The defined L-configuration at the α-carbon allows controlled propagation of chirality into subsequent derivatives, including conversion of the methyl ester to acids, activated esters, or other acylating agents. The N-protection strategy can be leveraged to time the exposure of the amine for coupling or for attachment to electrophiles during fragment elaboration. The phenylalanine benzyl side chain further supports derivatization routes that introduce additional functionality while preserving stereochemical integrity, aligning with process chemistry intermediate preparation and specialty chemical production.
5. Analytical Standards And Method Development
For-Phe-OMe is used in analytical research as a chemically defined phenylalanine derivative for method development and characterization of protected amino acid intermediates. The methyl ester and N-protected amine provide distinct chromatographic and mass spectrometric signatures that can support identification, impurity profiling, and calibration in workflows targeting amino acid ester and protected amino acid species. The stereodefined backbone can serve as a reference for stereochemical assignments when paired with complementary chiral analysis approaches. The compound's functional group pattern also enables preparation of related standards through controlled transformations, supporting robust analytical method development across peptide synthesis and amino acid derivatization pipelines.
6. Pharmaceutical Intermediate Preparation
For-Phe-OMe is relevant to pharmaceutical intermediate preparation where protected amino acid esters serve as feedstocks for controlled synthesis of peptide-like and amino acid-derived fragments. The N-protected phenylalanine methyl ester structure supports manufacturing-compatible step sequences that require protection management, ester-to-acid conversion, and subsequent coupling to generate defined building blocks. The aromatic side chain and stereogenic center support consistent incorporation into larger intermediates used for downstream scaffold construction and process route design. The compound can be converted into peptide coupling-ready forms or modified acyl equivalents, aligning with fine chemical synthesis and chemical manufacturing needs for reproducible chiral intermediate generation.
If you have any peptide synthesis requirement in mind, please do not hesitate to contact us at . We will endeavor to provide highly satisfying products and services.
Creative Peptides is a trusted CDMO partner specializing in high-quality peptide synthesis, conjugation, and manufacturing under strict cGMP compliance. With advanced technology platforms and a team of experienced scientists, we deliver tailored peptide solutions to support drug discovery, clinical development, and cosmetic innovation worldwide.
From custom peptide synthesis to complex peptide-drug conjugates, we provide flexible, end-to-end services designed to accelerate timelines and ensure regulatory excellence. Our commitment to quality, reliability, and innovation has made us a preferred partner across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and personal care industries.
Read More