| Product name |
N-Methyl-DL-alanine |
| Synonym |
n-methylalanine
N-METHYL-DL-ALANINE
N-METHYL-DL-ALANINE HYDROCHLORIDE
N-ME-DL-ALANINE
N-ME-DL-ALA-OH
N-Me-DL-Ala-OH HCl
H-DL-MEALA-OH
DL-N-METHYLALANINE |
| CAS NO. |
600-21-5 |
| Appearance |
White or off-white crystalline powder |
| Assay |
≥95% |
| MF |
C4H9NO2 |
| MW |
103.12 |
| Structural formula |
 |
| Related categories |
Amino acid |
| Transport Information |
Non-dangerous goods |
| HS Code |
2922491990 |
| Product Manager Email |
sophia@coreychem.com |
Frequently Asked Questions(Q&A)
1）
Question 1: What class of compound is N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5), and what are its molecular structural features?
Answer: N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5, molecular formula C₄H₉NO₂, molecular weight approx. 103.12) is an N-alkyl substituted racemic α-amino acid and a non-proteinogenic amino acid derivative. Its amino group is a secondary amine with a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom. Equal amounts of D and L enantiomers exist in the molecule, forming a racemate with no optical activity. The structure contains both a carboxyl group and a secondary amino group, exhibiting amphoteric ionization properties of amino acids, with pK₁ 2.22 and pK₂ 10.19.
2）
Question 2: What are the typical physicochemical properties of N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5), and what are the protection points for laboratory handling?
Answer: It is a white to off-white crystalline powder with amphoteric properties, freely soluble in water and sparingly soluble in polar organic solvents. Laboratory operations shall be performed in a fume hood. Wear goggles, acid and alkali resistant gloves, lab coat and dust mask. Avoid inhalation of dust and direct contact with skin and eyes. Keep away from strong oxidants, strong acids and strong bases. This substance is an irritant chemical; personal protection shall be implemented during handling.
3）
Question 3: In which fields is N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5) mainly applied and what functions does it serve?
Answer: It is mainly used as a chiral source material for asymmetric synthesis to prepare chiral reagents. It is also applied in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis and research on racemate resolution. In peptide chemistry, it can be used to construct N-methyl modified peptide fragments to improve the metabolic stability and membrane permeability of peptides. It can also be used for research on amino acid transport mechanisms, design of peptide and protein analogues, as well as pharmaceutical and antibiotic related studies.
4）
Question 4: How to handle spillage or accidental human contact with N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5)?
Answer: For small spills, wear protective equipment, sweep and collect solid powder, prevent dust dispersion and transfer into sealed containers. Isolate the site for large spills and entrust the treatment to professionals. Skin contact: Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention promptly if irritation occurs. Eye contact: Hold eyelids open and flush continuously with water or normal saline for at least 15 minutes, then seek medical attention. Inhalation of dust: Remove victim to fresh air, maintain unobstructed breathing and seek medical help if discomfort occurs. Ingestion: Rinse mouth, drink an appropriate amount of warm water. Do NOT induce vomiting and seek medical attention immediately. Do not discharge the material directly into sewers. This product is not a dangerous good; storage and transportation shall comply with local chemical management regulations.
5）
Question 5: What typical chemical reactions can N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5) undergo, and what downstream derivatives can be prepared?
Answer: The molecule contains carboxyl and secondary amino groups. The carboxyl group can undergo esterification, amidation and salt-forming reactions. The amino group can undergo acylation protection and further derivatization. Products such as N-Methyl-DL-alanine methyl ester, benzyl ester, N-acyl-N-methylalanine and N-Methyl-DL-alanine hydrochloride can be prepared. Single-enantiomer N-methylalanine can be obtained via chiral resolution for the synthesis of chiral drugs and chiral ligands, and can also be used to construct N-methyl peptide fragments and pharmaceutical intermediates.
N-Methyl-DL-alanine (CAS 600-21-5) — Application Q&A
1）
Application 1: What is the main use of this product in the fields of pharmaceutical and peptide synthesis?
Answer: It can be used as a raw material to synthesize N-methyl modified peptide pharmaceutical intermediates. N-methylated peptides can resist degradation by proteases in vivo and improve molecular stability. It is also applied in laboratory research for certain antibiotics and active peptide analogues.
2）
Application 2: What role does N-Methyl-DL-alanine play in asymmetric synthesis reactions?
Answer: It is a racemic chiral source material. Single-enantiomer N-methylalanine can be obtained through chiral resolution. The resolved chiral monomers can be used to prepare chiral reagents and chiral ligands for various asymmetric catalytic synthesis reactions.
3）
Application 3: Why do peptide fragments constructed from N-Methyl-DL-alanine often exhibit better biological activity?
Answer: Introducing N-methyl groups into the peptide backbone alters the peptide conformation, reduces recognition and hydrolysis by proteases, and improves metabolic stability. Meanwhile, it improves the lipophilicity of the molecule, enhances cell membrane permeability, and enables easier access to the target site.
4）
Application 4: What applications does this compound have for racemate resolution in chiral chemistry research?
Answer: As a racemate itself, it can serve as a model substrate to develop chiral resolution processes. In addition, it can be used as a raw material for chiral auxiliaries in the study of racemate resolution of other chiral compounds.
5）
Application 5: Are the applications of N-Methyl-DL-alanine limited only to the field of pharmaceutical synthesis?
Answer: Its applications are not limited to pharmaceuticals. Besides pharmaceutical and peptide synthesis, it is also used in basic chemical biology research, such as investigation of amino acid transporter mechanisms and design of protein analogues. It can also act as an organic building block for the development of novel chiral small organic molecules.
Product Manager Information
Contact information:
Contact: Sophia Li
Email: sophia@coreychem.com
Packaging, Storage and Transportation Requirements
Packaging
Pack the product in sealed polyethylene plastic bags, then place into fibre drums / cardboard drums with outer packaging reinforcement. Ensure the package is intact, moisture-proof and dust-proof to prevent contamination of solid powder.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse. Keep the container tightly closed. Keep away from moisture, direct sunlight, heat sources, strong oxidants, strong acids and strong alkalis. Store separately from food, feed and daily chemicals. Avoid long-term storage to prevent agglomeration.
Transportation
This product is non-dangerous goods for transport. Protect packages from damage, rain and moisture during transit. Do not load together with strong oxidants, strong acids and strong alkalis. Handle with care to avoid package breakage and dust generation. Comply with relevant local chemical transport regulations.
