3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine is a halogenated, non-proteinogenic amino acid derivative featuring a benzyl side chain bearing an iodine substituent at the 3-position relative to the alpha carbon, with both amino and carboxyl functional groups present in the same molecule. The "DL" designation indicates a racemic mixture at the alpha stereocenter, and the iodoaryl substituent provides a chemically distinct handle for electrophilic substitution, radiolabeling workflows, or incorporation as a sterically and electronically modified residue analogue in peptide-building strategies. In research contexts, it is used as a substrate or building block for preparing iodinated amino acid and peptide derivatives, supporting structure-activity studies, chemical labeling approaches, and analytical method development that require a defined iodinated phenylalanine motif.
CAT No: CP15103
3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine is an iodinated phenylalanine derivative supplied as a DL (racemic) mixture, featuring an aryl iodide at the 3-position of the phenyl side chain and a free amino acid functionality. The presence of the iodine atom makes it a practical handle for radiolabeling-style chemistry, electrophilic aromatic substitution planning, and downstream derivatization where halogen identity and mass are analytically useful. As a halogenated amino acid building block, it is commonly used in chemical biology and medicinal chemistry workflows that require site-defined aromatic substitution patterns rather than proteinogenic reactivity.
1. Medicinal Chemistry Building Block
3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine is used as a halogenated amino acid building block in medicinal chemistry programs that require an iodinated aromatic motif for structure-activity relationship studies and late-stage functional diversification. Medicinal chemists incorporate this type of iodinated phenylalanine derivative into synthetic sequences that generate analog series where the aryl iodide serves as a key intermediate for further carbon-carbon bond formation strategies or for installing additional substituents that modulate physicochemical properties. The DL stereochemical form supports exploratory synthesis and SAR generation when absolute stereochemistry is not the primary constraint at the intermediate stage.
2. Chemical Biology Labeling Reagents
3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine is applied in chemical biology workflows that benefit from an aryl iodide as a reactive chemical tag for subsequent derivatization of aromatic positions in amino acid-containing probes. Researchers use iodinated phenylalanine derivatives to construct labeled amino acid conjugates and to prepare probe scaffolds where the heavy iodine atom provides clear mass signatures for analytical tracking and method development. This reagent format is also used in studies that require incorporation of an iodinated aromatic residue into peptide-like structures for downstream detection, enrichment, or comparative profiling of labeled constructs.
3. Radiochemistry-Inspired Intermediate Development
3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine is commonly selected as a practical precursor in radiochemistry-inspired intermediate development and isotope-handling workflows where iodine functionality is a central design element. The aryl iodide enables downstream transformations that are conceptually aligned with iodine-based labeling strategies, allowing teams to plan synthetic routes that introduce iodine at a defined aromatic position before moving into specialized labeling or detection steps. Because it is supplied as a DL mixture, it is frequently used in early-stage process development and analytical method scouting where stereochemical resolution is handled later if needed.
4. Analytical Mass Signature Standards
3-Iodo-DL-Phenylalanine supports analytical method development and reference preparation for workflows that require a distinctive halogen-containing amino acid mass signature. LC-MS and related platforms can leverage the iodine-containing isotopic pattern to verify derivatization efficiency, monitor sample preparation steps, and confirm identity of related iodinated phenylalanine derivatives in complex mixtures. Laboratories often use this compound as a structural and mass reference point when developing quantification methods for iodinated amino acid species or for confirming the presence of 3-iodo substituted aromatic residues in synthetic libraries.
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