Product Manager: Selina Zhang; Email: selina@coreychem.com

2-Hydroxyethane-1-sulfonamide (CAS: 162894-76-0) is a multifunctional aliphatic sulfonamide intermediate widely used in medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical synthesis, chemical biology, and specialty chemical research. Featuring a hydroxyethyl side chain attached to a sulfonamide functional group, it combines excellent hydrogen-bonding capability with high synthetic versatility, providing an ideal platform for molecular modification, polarity tuning, and bioactive compound construction. The compound is primarily employed as a key intermediate in drug discovery, sulfonamide derivative synthesis, and structure–activity relationship (SAR) optimization, supporting lead identification, synthetic route development, and pharmaceutical process research. Its primary applications are outlined below:

1. Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Discovery

Sulfonamide Pharmacophore Development

2-Hydroxyethane-1-sulfonamide serves as an important building block for constructing sulfonamide-containing drug candidates. Sulfonamide motifs are widely recognized as privileged pharmacophores in medicinal chemistry and are commonly incorporated into enzyme inhibitors, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, anticancer molecules, and metabolic disease therapeutics.

Lead Optimization in Drug Development

The molecule contains both a reactive hydroxyl group and a sulfonamide functionality, allowing medicinal chemists to perform esterification, etherification, oxidation, or further functionalization. These modifications facilitate systematic optimization of potency, selectivity, aqueous solubility, and pharmacokinetic properties during hit-to-lead and lead optimization programs.

2. Structure–Activity Relationship (SAR) Exploration

Hydrogen-Bonding Interaction Studies

The hydroxyl and sulfonamide groups provide multiple hydrogen-bond donor and acceptor sites, making this compound valuable for investigating molecular recognition and ligand–target interactions. Researchers use it to evaluate the influence of hydrogen-bonding networks on receptor affinity, enzyme inhibition, and biological selectivity.

Polarity and Physicochemical Property Modulation

The hydroxyethyl side chain enables fine-tuning of molecular polarity, lipophilicity, and water solubility. This scaffold is frequently incorporated into compound libraries to optimize ADME characteristics and improve overall drug-like properties.

3. Organic Synthesis & Intermediate Development

Versatile Intermediate for Sulfonamide Derivatives

2-Hydroxyethane-1-sulfonamide is widely utilized as a synthetic intermediate for preparing functionalized sulfonamides, sulfamates, and sulfur-containing pharmaceutical intermediates. Its bifunctional structure allows sequential derivatization, making it suitable for multistep organic synthesis.

Building Block for Heterocyclic Synthesis

The compound can be incorporated into the synthesis of nitrogen- and sulfur-containing heterocycles, supporting the preparation of biologically active scaffolds used in medicinal chemistry, agrochemical research, and fine chemical development.

4. Chemical Biology & Biological Research

Probe and Ligand Development

Researchers employ this compound to construct biologically active probes and ligand libraries for investigating enzyme function, receptor binding, and cellular signaling pathways. The sulfonamide group often contributes to improved molecular recognition in biological systems.

Bioconjugation and Molecular Functionalization

The hydroxyl functionality provides a convenient site for conjugation with fluorescent labels, polymers, linkers, or biomolecules, supporting chemical biology studies and molecular imaging research.

5. Pharmaceutical Process Development

Key Intermediate for Scalable Manufacturing

The compound serves as a reliable intermediate in the development of scalable synthetic routes for sulfonamide-containing pharmaceutical candidates. Its simple structure, commercial accessibility, and predictable reactivity support efficient process optimization and manufacturing scale-up.

Analytical Method Development

2-Hydroxyethane-1-sulfonamide is used during HPLC, LC-MS, and impurity profiling studies for analytical method development, quality control, stability evaluation, and validation of pharmaceutical intermediates.

6. Specialty Chemicals & Functional Materials

Precursor for Functional Molecule Synthesis

The bifunctional nature of the molecule makes it useful in preparing specialty chemicals, functional additives, and advanced organic intermediates where both hydroxyl and sulfonamide groups are required for subsequent chemical modification.

Platform for Polymer and Surface Modification

Researchers also utilize this compound for introducing sulfonamide functionality into polymers, surface coatings, and functional materials, contributing to the development of specialty materials with improved adhesion, hydrophilicity, or chemical resistance.

7. Handling & Storage

Storage Conditions

Store in tightly sealed containers under dry, cool (2–8 °C), and well-ventilated conditions. Protect from moisture and prolonged exposure to heat or direct sunlight. Appropriate laboratory safety practices and personal protective equipment should be used during handling.

Intended Use

This product is intended strictly for laboratory research, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical R&D, organic synthesis, and process development. It is not intended for therapeutic, diagnostic, veterinary, food, or household applications. All handling should comply with applicable laboratory safety regulations.

Summary

The value of 2-Hydroxyethane-1-sulfonamide (CAS: 162894-76-0) lies in its multifunctional combination of a reactive hydroxyl group and a pharmacologically important sulfonamide moiety, providing exceptional flexibility for molecular design and synthetic diversification. Its favorable hydrogen-bonding properties, versatile chemical reactivity, and compatibility with modern pharmaceutical synthesis make it an important intermediate for medicinal chemistry, structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies, pharmaceutical process development, and specialty chemical research. The compound supports lead optimization, scalable synthesis, and the development of next-generation sulfonamide-based therapeutics.

For more information, please contact: selina@coreychem.com