N-Me-Trp-OH is an N-methylated tryptophan derivative bearing an indole side chain and the amino acid backbone with a free carboxylic acid (-COOH) and an amino group modified to an N-methyl amide-like functionality (-NHCH3) rather than a primary amino group. The molecule retains the heteroaromatic indole ring characteristic of tryptophan while the N-methyl substitution alters hydrogen-bonding and can reduce the amino group's nucleophilicity relative to unmodified tryptophan. N-Me-Trp-OH is used in peptide chemistry and chemical biology as a structurally defined tryptophan analogue for incorporating N-methylated residues into synthetic peptides, for structure-activity studies of side-chain and backbone modifications, and for analytical or labeling workflows that require a tryptophan-based chromophore with a defined N-substitution pattern.
CAT No: CP27178
CAS No:526-31-8
Synonyms/Alias:Abrine;L-Abrine;N-Methyl-L-tryptophan;526-31-8;Nalpha-Methyl-L-tryptophan;N-Methyl-L-tryptophane;UNII-P57TWL22IX;(2S)-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-2-(methylamino)propanoicacid;CHEBI:15334;N-methyltryptophan;CZCIKBSVHDNIDH-NSHDSACASA-N;ST066888;N(alpha)-methyl-L-tryptophan;L-Tryptophan,N-methyl-;(2S)-3-indol-3-yl-2-(methylamino)propanoicacid;N-Metil-L-triptofano;AC1Q5QTJ;AC1L4NR1;N-alpha-Methyl-L-trytophan;P57TWL22IX;SCHEMBL18778;BIDD:ER0516;BIDD:GT0591;434248_ALDRICH;CHEMBL552941
N-Me-Trp-OH is an N-methylated tryptophan amino acid derivative featuring an indole-containing side chain and a free carboxylic acid, with stereochemistry at the alpha carbon corresponding to the natural amino acid configuration used in peptide chemistry. The N-methyl group reduces the nucleophilicity of the indole-adjacent amide-forming site and modulates hydrogen-bonding behavior relative to unmodified tryptophan, while the indole ring remains available for electrophilic aromatic substitution and π-stacking interactions in molecular recognition studies. The presence of a carboxylic acid enables conversion to activated esters or coupling-ready derivatives, supporting peptide bond formation strategies that preserve the indole functionality. As a chiral amino acid intermediate and peptide-building block precursor, N-Me-Trp-OH participates in protected amino acid synthesis workflows and can be carried forward into downstream tryptophan-containing analogs used in biochemical research and industrial fine chemical manufacturing.
1. Peptide Synthesis
N-Me-Trp-OH is applied in peptide synthesis and solid-phase or solution-phase coupling workflows where incorporation of an N-methylated tryptophan residue is required for conformational tuning. The compound's alpha-amino functionality is constrained by N-methylation, while the free carboxylic acid supports formation of peptide-ready activated intermediates that can be coupled to amines under standard amide bond-forming conditions. The indole side chain can be retained during coupling and later used for orthogonal functionalization when indole-specific derivatization is needed for probe generation or scaffold diversification. Incorporation of N-Me-Trp-OH into peptide sequences enables construction of N-methylated tryptophan analogs for studying backbone effects on folding, recognition, and protease susceptibility in peptide science and chemical biology.
2. Chemical Biology Probes
N-Me-Trp-OH is suitable for chemical biology research focused on indole-bearing molecular probes and receptor-binding motif studies. The indole ring provides a stable aromatic handle for conjugation strategies such as electrophilic substitution or cross-coupling after appropriate functional group activation, while the amino acid backbone supports controlled attachment to linkers through amide formation. N-methylation can influence local polarity and conformational preferences, which may affect binding orientation in assays that rely on aromatic stacking and hydrogen-bond networks. Downstream derivatives prepared from N-Me-Trp-OH can be used as biochemical research intermediates for affinity probes, fluorescent or affinity-tagged peptide analogs, and structure-activity relationship studies where tryptophan analogs report on molecular interactions.
3. Chiral Building Block Synthesis
N-Me-Trp-OH functions as a chiral amino acid intermediate for stereoselective synthesis of N-methylated tryptophan derivatives used in medicinal chemistry and applied peptide engineering. The alpha stereocenter and carboxylic acid group enable conversion into coupling-compatible intermediates while preserving stereochemical integrity during protection, activation, and coupling steps. The indole side chain contributes to downstream derivatization routes that generate substituted indole analogs, including side-chain modified tryptophan derivatives used to map binding pockets and optimize molecular recognition. Carry-forward use of N-Me-Trp-OH in chiral synthesis supports manufacturing of defined stereochemical intermediates for fine chemical synthesis and peptide analog libraries.
4. Peptidomimetics And SAR
N-Me-Trp-OH is employed in peptidomimetic construction and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies where N-methylation of a tryptophan residue is used to modulate backbone conformation and amide hydrogen-bonding patterns. The N-methylated amino acid motif can be incorporated into peptide-like scaffolds to generate analogs with altered secondary structure propensity while maintaining the indole aromatic pharmacophore for π-interaction-driven recognition. The free carboxylic acid enables systematic generation of derivatives such as activated esters for fragment coupling, enabling rapid assembly of SAR series with consistent stereochemistry at the alpha carbon. Downstream products derived from N-Me-Trp-OH support iterative scaffold refinement in synthetic organic chemistry and applied molecular design.
5. Pharmaceutical Intermediate Preparation
N-Me-Trp-OH is relevant to pharmaceutical intermediate preparation and specialty chemical production for manufacturing-defined tryptophan analogs used in process chemistry and research-grade synthesis. The compound's amino acid functionality supports conversion into activated carboxylic acid derivatives and subsequent incorporation into larger molecules through amide bond formation, while the indole ring can be carried through as a protected or selectively derivatizable aromatic group depending on the route design. N-methylation can improve stability against certain deamidation or hydrogen-bond-mediated side reactions during multistep synthesis, making the intermediate compatible with controlled synthetic sequences. Industrially, N-Me-Trp-OH can serve as a chiral precursor for producing N-methylated tryptophan-containing intermediates that feed downstream API-adjacent research compounds, peptide analogs, and fine chemical targets.
1. Myotropic activity of allatostatins in tenebrionid beetles
4. SERS spectrum of the peptide thymosin‐β4 obtained with Ag nanorod substrate
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.