4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine is a methoxy-substituted phenylalanine amino acid derivative featuring a benzyl side chain bearing a para-methoxy substituent and a free amino group and free carboxyl group, supplied as the DL (racemic) mixture. The aromatic side chain contains an ether (methoxy) functionality that can influence polarity and hydrogen-bonding interactions relative to unsubstituted phenylalanine, while the stereochemistry is specified only as racemic due to the DL designation. As a non-proteinogenic or modified amino acid building block, it is used in peptide synthesis and structure-activity or structure-property studies to introduce a controlled aromatic ether substituent for probing conformational effects, binding interactions, and analytical standards.
CAT No: CP15503
4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine is a methoxy-substituted phenylalanine analog supplied as a DL mixture, providing both stereoisomers for synthetic and analytical workflows where racemic material is acceptable. The para-methoxy group on the aromatic side chain makes it a useful aromatic building block for structure-property studies and for assembling peptidic or peptidomimetic structures that probe the impact of ring electronics and sterics. As a free amino acid, it is commonly handled as a chiral-independent precursor in medicinal chemistry intermediate development and peptide chemistry.
1. Peptidomimetic Building Blocks
4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine is frequently used as an amino acid building block for solution-phase and solid-phase peptide synthesis when a racemic aromatic residue is acceptable for library generation or SAR screening. Medicinal chemistry teams incorporate this residue into short peptides, peptidomimetics, and constrained analogs to evaluate how para-methoxy substitution influences conformation, local polarity, and aromatic interactions in the resulting scaffold. The aromatic side chain bearing a single methoxy substituent offers a clear structural handle for downstream derivatization strategies, including conversion to protected side-chain variants or incorporation into larger intermediate sequences.
2. Medicinal Chemistry SAR Studies
4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine is used in structure-activity relationship (SAR) campaigns as a defined, electronically modified phenylalanine analog. Researchers preparing analog series often select this compound to systematically vary aromatic substitution patterns while keeping the amino acid backbone consistent, enabling clearer interpretation of how ring substitution affects properties such as hydrophobicity balance and hydrogen-bonding capacity. The DL format supports parallel synthesis timelines by removing the need for enantiopure sourcing during early-stage hit-to-lead exploration, where relative trends across analogs are prioritized over stereochemical refinement.
3. Pharmaceutical Intermediate Development
4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine serves as a practical precursor in the development of aromatic amino acid derivatives and pharmaceutical intermediates, particularly when a methoxy-substituted aryl side chain is required as a motif. Process and development chemists use it to build downstream fragments for coupling chemistry, protecting-group strategies, and intermediate elaboration toward more complex heterocycles or peptidic drug candidates. The presence of both the amino and carboxylic acid functional groups makes it a convenient starting point for preparing activated derivatives used in multistep synthetic routes.
4. Analytical Reference and Method Development
4-Methoxy-DL-Phenylalanine is also used as an analytical reference material for method development and calibration in workflows that quantify amino acid analogs or monitor incorporation of substituted phenylalanine residues. Laboratories developing LC-based assays, amino acid profiling methods, or impurity/identity checks may select this compound because it provides a distinct para-methoxy aromatic signature that separates well from unsubstituted phenylalanine and many closely related analogs. The racemic nature is advantageous when the analytical goal is confirmation of total compound presence or tracking of material through synthesis and purification rather than enantiomer-specific quantification.
1. SERS spectrum of the peptide thymosin‐β4 obtained with Ag nanorod substrate
2. Store-operated Ca2+ entry sustains the fertilization Ca2+ signal in pig eggs
4. Emu oil in combination with other active ingredients for treating skin imperfections
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