2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine is a naturally derived amino acid analogue classified within the phenylalanine family, featuring a benzyl side chain bearing an additional methyl substituent at the 2-position relative to the benzylic carbon. The molecule contains a free amino group and a free carboxyl group, with the stereocenter indicated as L by the product name and with a hydrophobic, aromatic side-chain functionality that can participate in peptide hydrophobic and aromatic interactions. As a nonstandard amino acid for peptide and structure-activity studies, it is used as a building block in peptide synthesis and as a chemically defined analogue for probing how side-chain substitution patterns affect peptide conformation, binding, or analytical behavior.
CAT No: CP15601
2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine is a chiral, non-proteinogenic phenylalanine analog bearing a methyl substituent at the 2-position of the aromatic ring, making it a useful stereodefined building block for medicinal chemistry and peptide/peptidomimetic design. Its substituted phenyl side chain provides distinct steric and electronic characteristics compared with standard phenylalanine, which is valuable for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and for tuning aromatic packing in bioactive sequences. As a research-grade amino acid, it is commonly selected when an aromatic residue with altered conformational preferences is needed for downstream synthesis of modified peptides and small-molecule intermediates.
1. Peptidomimetic Building Blocks
2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine is used by peptide chemistry groups and medicinal chemistry teams to introduce a substituted aromatic residue into peptidomimetics and constrained peptide-like scaffolds. The 2-methyl substitution on the phenyl ring helps modulate steric bulk and aromatic interactions, supporting SAR workflows where researchers compare analogs bearing different aromatic substitution patterns. In practice, it is incorporated during custom peptide synthesis or used as a key amino acid building block for constructing modified sequences intended for binding studies, structure-function mapping, and lead optimization campaigns.
2. Medicinal Chemistry SAR Synthesis
2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine serves as a specialty amino acid intermediate for medicinal chemistry programs that require non-natural aromatic amino acid motifs in small-molecule and hybrid drug-discovery scaffolds. The distinct substitution pattern on the phenyl ring enables chemists to systematically vary shape and electronic features while maintaining an amino acid-derived stereochemical element. This makes the compound particularly useful for preparing libraries of analogs, generating structure-defining intermediates, and supporting iterative medicinal chemistry cycles where aromatic residue identity is a primary variable.
3. Chiral Intermediate Development
2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine is also applied in chiral synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediate development where a stereochemically defined aromatic amino acid precursor is required. Researchers use it to access downstream chiral building blocks that retain the L-configuration while enabling further functionalization of the side chain or amino acid functionality for incorporation into more complex intermediates. This positioning is common in process and development chemistry efforts that prioritize reliable stereochemical control for non-natural amino acid-derived fragments used in advanced synthetic routes.
4. Protein Engineering Analog Design
2-Methy-L-Phenylalanine is leveraged in chemical protein engineering and protein-analog design workflows that rely on non-natural amino acid incorporation into peptides or protein fragments for mechanistic studies. Its substituted aromatic side chain provides a controlled way to perturb local hydrophobic packing and aromatic microenvironments relative to canonical phenylalanine, which can be valuable when researchers are probing structure-function relationships in engineered systems. In these settings, it is typically used as a defined residue in synthetic constructs or peptide segments that are subsequently assembled into larger protein-mimetic materials for biochemical or biophysical characterization.
3. Cationic cell-penetrating peptides are potent furin inhibitors
4. An Open-label, Single-center, Safety and Efficacy Study of Eyelash Polygrowth Factor Serum
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