Chemists working in the late 20th century searched for stereo-selective intermediates that could simplify the synthesis of complex pharmaceuticals. As demand for tailored drug molecules increased, researchers started paying closer attention to amino acid derivatives. The introduction of (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate responded to the call for building blocks that offer both chiral purity and robust reactivity. Early studies often took place in academic centers focused on asymmetric synthesis and optical resolution. Over time, routes to this compound shifted from cumbersome resolution processes to more sophisticated enantioselective methods, reflecting broader shifts in chemical manufacturing as scaling up for pharma needs became common. Learning from published patent literature, suppliers optimized yields, reduced waste steps, and delivered purer batches, showing how knowledge moves from bench to production floor.
At its core, (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate delivers chiral fidelity, which remains a make-or-break quality for downstream biologically active molecules. It appears as a white or off-white crystalline powder. Most suppliers choose tartrate salt formation to boost solubility and stability, and this tartrate counterion also helps with stereoselectivity in later synthesis. Bulk users, especially custom synthesis labs and specialty chemical firms, value the purity level and optical rotation because even slight differences lead to unwanted side products or impure pharmaceuticals. Genuine experience in a synthetic lab shows just how significant batch-to-batch consistency proves, especially when moving from milligram bench samples to kilogram research lots.
This compound stands out not just for its chirality, but also for its practical handling. Its melting point tends to fall within a relatively narrow range, allowing for straightforward purification. Chemically, the structure features a methyl ester, an aromatic ring, and a chlorinated atom, all imparting distinctive behaviors in reactions that hinge on both steric and electronic effects. The tartrate part helps with stability under normal storage, with little tendency toward hydrolysis or degradation under moderate conditions. Users report that batches with high optical purity and closely matching melting points often work far better in reactions needing fine stereocontrol, confirming that property control links directly to downstream process quality.
Most vendors specify enantiomeric excess—often surpassing 98%—and define moisture content by Karl Fischer titration. Residual solvent information and metal ion tests come standard in quality documentation. Labeling is clear about optical rotation values, which reflect the stereoselectivity, and suppliers note CAS numbers, molecular formulas, and batch IDs for traceability. Experience in pharmaceutical QA demonstrates that rigorous adherence to these details saves traders and researchers from confusion and costly batch failures. Labs using FDA or EMA guidelines favor lots with certificates of analysis cross-referencing producer and end-user protocols.
Synthesis generally starts from protected glycine or via Strecker reaction modifications, followed by treatment with chlorinated aromatic reagents under controlled pH. Experienced chemists track reaction temperatures and add chiral auxiliaries or catalytic ligands to maximize (S)-enantiomer formation. The methyl ester comes next through acid-catalyzed methanolysis, and the final tartrate salt forms via addition of tartaric acid. This approach enables both scalability and reliability. In labs operating at research and pilot scale, the key issue revolves around minimizing racemization at each step, since impurities can disrupt entire synthetic campaigns.
In day-to-day applications, chemists leverage this compound to build larger, more complex frameworks. The methyl ester group readily transforms in sequences such as aminolysis, hydrolysis, or amidation. The aromatic chlorine acts as a versatile handle for further substitution, including Suzuki or Buchwald-Hartwig couplings. Genuine lab work reveals that minor changes in this precursor often carry forward, shaping both yield and purity in final products. It’s common for teams to tweak the protecting groups or swap solvents to meet downstream needs, emphasizing just how much flexibility and reactivity stands as a practical advantage.
In databases, the compound often appears as (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate, (S)-α-amino-2-chlorobenzeneacetic acid methyl ester tartrate, or related stereochemical variations. Suppliers sometimes assign internal codes, while regulatory filings formalize naming for compliance. In regular lab discussions, chemists use shorthand tied to their own inventory systems. These naming conventions matter most during procurement and project documentation, where mismatches can easily cascade into experimental or legal headaches.
Safety protocols always demand direct attention. Material safety data sheets point to mild but important hazards—possible skin or respiratory irritation, and moderate aquatic toxicity. Proper eye and glove protection always make a difference in real work. In scaling up, teams set up local exhaust ventilation and avoid mixing with strong acids or bases without pre-testing. Some organizations require traceability for all chiral intermediates, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) documentation ensures that chemical history tracks from raw feedstock to finished lot. Over years of bench work, it’s clear these small steps consistently prevent both short-term accidents and long-term liability issues.
(The S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate finds its primary niche in asymmetric pharmaceutical synthesis—often for beta-lactam antibiotics, chiral ligands, or as a stepping stone to non-proteinogenic amino acids. Custom synthesis outfits and major life sciences firms integrate this intermediate into pipelines for new chemical entities. My own chats with process chemists point to its ability to unlock previously inaccessible target molecules, as enantioselectivity carries increasing weight in both drug discovery and intellectual property. Beyond pharma, research into advanced materials and peptidomimetics occasionally draws on its versatility, showing that broad utility grows as knowledge spreads.
Ongoing R&D singles out this intermediate for optimization of green chemistry methods, seeking reduced solvent usage and milder reaction conditions. New work reports biocatalytic resolutions and enzyme-based routes, which tend to lower carbon footprints while boosting chiral selectivity. Synthetic chemists often pursue new derivatives aiming to create next-generation APIs with improved pharmacokinetics or enhanced target selectivity, treating (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate as a launchpad for these efforts. Collaboration among universities and contract research organizations brings new data on improved yields, alternate salt forms, and solvent-less processes, reflecting a widespread drive toward safer, more cost-effective production.
While this compound does not typically show acute toxicity at exposures common in laboratory use, ongoing studies investigate chronic impacts and possible environmental persistence. Rodent data indicates low oral toxicity, though repeated doses over time raise questions requiring further exploration. Environmental chemists flag aromatic chlorinated amino acid derivatives for detailed ecotoxicological assessment, especially regarding waterway contamination and breakdown products. Regulatory oversight, including REACH and TSCA, means toxicologists and risk managers scrutinize each new batch lot and impurity profile. Over the years, I've seen how seriously teams treat data gaps, often commissioning external testing to reassure both regulators and end-users.
Rising demand for novel chiral drugs and the push for greener, scalable manufacturing position this intermediate at the center of future chemical routes. Expect to see more biocatalytic preparations, automated synthesis platforms, and expanded use in structure-activity relationship studies, all fueled by digital tracking and real-time quality monitoring. Researchers will likely develop tartrate-free versions or find alternative salt forms under regulatory or market pressure, increasing versatility. Companies in specialty and bulk chemicals may invest in continuous process improvements. Professionals accustomed to troubleshooting custom syntheses see this compound’s adaptability as a strategic asset as the quest for higher efficiency and tighter stereocontrol only intensifies.
Chemistry thrives on the details. In the world of pharmaceuticals and chemical synthesis, the name "(S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate" packs quite a punch. Unpacking such a mouthful begins with recognizing what each part of the name means for its actual structure.
This compound isn’t just a single molecule—it’s a salt. At its core, (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester is an amino acid derivative. Chemists turn to methyl esters often, especially during peptide synthesis. The (S) refers to chirality, a real concern for drug makers since one mirror-image form of a molecule can heal, while the other can harm or prove useless. The 2-chloro part signals a chlorine atom attached to the second position on the phenyl ring, tweaking reactivity and sometimes helping a drug slip through the body's barriers.
The tartrate piece isn’t just along for the ride. It acts as a counter-ion, pairing with the amino acid’s methyl ester to form a salt. Doing this can bump up solubility and stability. In research labs and industry, salts like this one help researchers turn otherwise tricky chemicals into forms that dissolve better in water, ship easier, or react when needed. Anyone who’s wrestled with poorly soluble compounds knows the headache this sidesteps.
Now to the raw formula. (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester brings together carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, nitrogen, and oxygen. Its own molecular formula, before forming the salt, comes down to C9H10ClNO2. Tartrate, when in the form of L-(+)-tartaric acid, claims C4H6O6. Most often, this salt uses a 1:1 ratio for practical and stereochemical reasons, forming:
C9H10ClNO2·C4H6O6
To a lab chemist, the right chemical formula means a safe process, correct legal paperwork, and predictable results. Drug agencies demand clarity about what goes into any compound destined for human use. Ambiguity in structure can mean wasted research months or, worse, regulatory red flags. One wrong formula in a batch record leads to failed synthesis projects or, in a commercial setting, recalls and lawsuits.
Industry veterans have seen the fallout from ambiguous naming conventions. Even among chemistry veterans, arguing over a salt form or omission in a chemical name once led to missed deadlines and awkward phone calls. Clear, accurate molecular formulas keep science and business on track.
Sticking to exact names and formulas grows more urgent now, especially as the pharmaceutical world faces tighter scrutiny. Sharing precise molecular information supports not just regulatory compliance, but better global communication in research. It’s easy to dismiss the details as paperwork, but lives and reputations ride on getting them right. From custom catalysts to lifesaving medicines, the right chemical formula is the difference between a success story and a cautionary tale.
Scientists and students alike benefit from habits that emphasize precision. Using textbooks, trusted databases, and peer-reviewed sources reduces risk. Keeping close tabs on nomenclature and double-checking chemical formulas before mixing new compounds keeps labs safe and efficient. As more research goes international, standardized and honest reporting reduces mistakes and keeps collaborations moving forward without friction.
Walk into pretty much any lab that deals with the latest pharmaceutical research and odds are you’ll find a bottle of (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate tucked somewhere on a shelf. This isn’t a household name for most people, though its influence stretches through various corners of chemical manufacturing and drug development. I’ve come across it during early career days in an organic synthesis group, and its role there quickly showed the difference between theory and practical needs in medicinal chemistry.
This chemical often steps in as a chiral building block. Why does that matter so much? Many drugs treat the body differently depending on their molecular “handedness.” Having a reliable way to build chiral molecules can shorten development time and increase the odds of producing safer medications. (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate offers chemists a well-defined starting point to assemble these complex structures. Its enantiopure form really does make it easier for teams to step up the game for precision synthesis. According to research in Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, drugs with precise stereochemistry tend to show more consistent performance and fewer unwanted effects.
Alongside small-molecule work, peptide synthesis gets a real boost from this ester tartrate. The protecting groups on the molecule allow for more control during the stepwise construction of peptides—critical when one “wrong” unit could throw everything off. I’ve seen project leads breathe a sigh of relief because incorporating (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester at the right step meant cleaner, more predictable final products. Research teams can trust that their building blocks won’t introduce mix-ups or racemization into sensitive drug candidates. Fast, accurate assembly saves weeks—sometimes months—on projects with tight deadlines.
Not all of its jobs land in the pharma sector. Agrochemicals often rely on molecules with precise shape and function to do targeted work on pests or plant growth regulators. (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate shows up as a key intermediate in these contexts. Manufacturers use it to generate compounds that help improve crop yield or ward off disease, making farming practices more sustainable and efficient. It’s one of those quiet contributors that rarely gets a headline but affects major industries on the ground level.
Access to pure, reliable sources of this material matters a lot for both research and industry. Over the years, fluctuations in supply or batch quality have slowed projects. More labs collaborate directly with reputable suppliers and double-check chiral purity with NMR or HPLC as standard practice. Investments in better quality control do pay off. Groups like the American Chemical Society recommend sourcing from companies that certify the enantiopurity and traceability of products to help avoid stalled research or regulatory headaches.
People working with compounds like (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate rarely talk about public health impact, but the truth is, these molecules form the foundation for lifesaving therapies and safer agrochemicals. More open communication across chemistry teams, suppliers, and regulatory bodies usually leads to improvements in access, quality, and training. My own experiences taught me that bridging gaps with real conversations makes a bigger difference than any new reagent or tool. In the end, it’s not just what this compound can do—it’s how we choose to make it work smarter for all.
Working in a lab pushes you to pay attention to the smallest details. Urgency can sneak in, and hasty decisions around chemical storage often cause the biggest headaches later. Many forget how one misplaced vial can bring a project to a grinding halt or, worse, put health on the line.
(S)-(+)-2-Chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate isn’t just a cryptic name for a chemist's curiosity. It’s a key intermediate in synthetic chemistry—especially when building up enantiomerically pure compounds. Handling this molecule demands respect for both its functional groups and its tartrate salt nature. If you’ve ever cleaned up after a spill or sorted through decomposed samples, you learn fast: proper storage lowers risk and saves real money down the line.
Common sense says avoid extremes with almost any reagent, but this one takes that advice a notch higher. Most esters, particularly methyl esters, tend to hydrolyze if left open to moisture or heat. In my experience, samples stored in a regular fridge last longer, but dedicated chemical refrigerators work best. Keep this compound at 2–8°C to slow down unwanted reactions. Leaving it at room temperature on the shelf invites slow breakdown, especially if ambient humidity jumps overnight. Seemingly minor lapses, like putting an unlabeled vial too close to the back of the fridge, risk losing track of stability. Refrigerated storage preserves both its purity and, in a business sense, your investment.
Once I watched an entire batch degrade just because the lid on its container wasn’t screwed tightly enough. Silica gel packets might get overlooked, but they can be life-savers. Lightweight moisture slip-ups invite hydrolysis. Air, too, shouldn't get ignored—a proper seal keeps out humidity and slows oxidation. If possible, stash this compound under inert gas like nitrogen after opening.
Glass vials with airtight Teflon-lined lids hold up best. Avoid leaky plastic ware, which sometimes reacts with methyl esters over long storage periods. Using amber glass protects against accidental light exposure. Clear labeling with prep date helps you cycle stock. Running a busy lab means unlabeled vials pile up, and mistakes multiply if you skip this step.
No one likes dealing with old chemicals, but putting it off means risking accidental mix-ups. Segregate expiring or decomposed stock in a clear, dedicated area away from viable reagents. Follow local hazardous waste protocols. These steps sound routine, but over twenty years of handling specialty chemicals have taught me that just one oversight can trigger a fire inspection or a shutdown of a whole wing.
I’ve seen good teams fall into chemical storage accidents after a roster shake-up. Everyone should get periodic reminders on handling requirements—especially for specialty reagents. Someone in the lab will always be new to that reagent, so open communication helps avoid avoidable mistakes. Documenting good storage practices makes daily routines safer and keeps whole projects on track.
Minimizing exposure to moisture, heat, and air goes a long way. Store with intention—because experience has shown that careless storage costs more than a new bottle ever will.
People trust molecules like (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate when they know where they stand in terms of purity. Back in the lab, if the batch doesn’t meet tight purity specs, research and scale-up grind to a halt. Chemists expect clear standards because even tiny impurities in a synthetic building block like this can twist the results or throw off a reaction.
Most researchers set the bar high: they want at least 98% purity, and even higher if they're relying on the compound for chiral induction or pharmaceutical synthesis. Third-party certificates mean something only when they detail exactly what’s present. Purity in this context doesn’t just refer to overall percentage—it’s about enantiomeric excess (ee%) and specific contaminant levels.
(S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate usually comes with specifications like minimum 98% chemical purity by HPLC, and enantiomeric excess above 98%. Moisture content, often inside 0.5%, matters for consistency and reaction predictability. Chiral purity, measured with chiral HPLC or polarimetry, takes priority for anyone using it in API manufacturing or asymmetric catalysis.
Few things are more frustrating than spending weeks optimizing a reaction, only to find a sneaky impurity sabotaged the yield or selectivity. I remember trying to scale an amino acid ester with specs just under 97%—the result: a stubborn side product wrecked the chiral purity in the final step. It cost double in solvents and time, and the clean-up took longer than making a fresh batch with better specs.
The tricky part: some contaminants don't even show up in simple TLC or melting point tests. They show up in NMR, or after you already made the product and see it behaves strangely. That’s the main reason buyers ask for full COA sheets, or run their own in-house HPLC analysis before signing off.
Top suppliers provide batch documents with clear chromatograms. Reputable ones flag even low-level contaminants, using methods that read down to 0.05%. Water content shows up on the sheet (Karl Fischer titration works well for this ester tartrate). Heavy metals—capped below 10 ppm—also show up, since trace metals can poison sensitive catalytic reactions.
For this compound, the tartrate part adds another dimension: tartaric acid diastereomers make a difference, so analysts often list the diastereomeric purity too. Pharmaceutical companies take this seriously, since impurities in the salt form can alter both crystallization and downstream formulation.
Chemists who work with these materials push for specs that go beyond the minimum. Running in-house chiral HPLC tests before a scale-up saves more headaches than any downstream fix. Documenting every parameter—mp, specific rotation, purity by HPLC, water content, metal traces—helps track reliability between batches. It pays off to know where each test comes from, and to have direct dialogue with suppliers on every line of data.
Labs keeping their standards high usually face fewer surprises, and downstream manufacturing stays on track. Setting strict specs for (S)-(+)-2-chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate means more reproducible chemistry and fewer expensive do-overs. In the end, purity specs aren’t just about paperwork—they’re about trust during every step from research to the final dose.
(S)-(+)-2-Chlorophenylglycine methyl ester tartrate has picked up attention across several research and development labs, especially where stereochemistry matters. It often finds a home in pharmaceutical synthesis and research projects that pursue enantiopure compounds. Chemists chasing after high-yield, reliable precursors run into this molecule more often than they expect, and demand rises rapidly once a research department scales up its timeline or aims for clinical trials.
Seeking kilograms of this compound is a different journey altogether from picking up a few grams for bench-top work. Genuine bulk availability depends a lot on specialized custom synthesis rather than typical catalog offerings. Most chemical suppliers keep this item in stock at research scale, but struggle when demand jumps to industrial volumes. Custom synthesis companies step into the picture, leveraging contract manufacturing skills, dedicated reactors, and solid relationships with suppliers of raw tartrate and glycine derivatives. These setups exist mostly in the hands of companies with robust regulatory compliance. They follow Good Manufacturing Practice, knowing full well research-grade shortcuts won’t cut it once the goal is drug development or clinical supply.
Access to this intermediate stays tied up in red tape for a reason. Export controls, environmental licensing, and documentation make sourcing more complex than ordering off-the-shelf chemicals. Tartrate salts, stereoisomer controls, and the chlorination step all fall under close scrutiny in Europe, North America, and even parts of Asia. In the past, I’ve spent weeks pushing paperwork just to satisfy auditors, all for one crucial kilo of a single chiral intermediate. That headache pushes many labs to local or regional suppliers for faster turnaround, risking batch-to-batch consistency.
Modern drug synthesis doesn’t forgive delays. A hiccup in sourcing a chiral intermediate can push a project launch back by months. Price volatility, mostly due to raw material cost or interrupted logistics, can force research groups to revisit project budgets or switch synthetic strategies. Without direct relationships with trusted suppliers or custom manufacturing groups, smaller labs end up waiting in line behind global pharma giants.
Building a network of specialty chemical partners means more work up front but pays off as projects scale. In my experience, labs that lock in supply contracts or bulk purchase agreements rarely face the stop-start rhythm that slows progress elsewhere. Open communication with manufacturers—instead of just relying on e-commerce catalogs—gives buyers an edge in troubleshooting delays. Email threads and video calls with sales reps and chemists from the supplier’s end can catch hiccups before they become crises.
Increasing collaboration among academic groups or small biotechs for joint procurement boosts negotiation power and reliability. Pooled purchase strategies lower the per-gram cost and may give smaller outfits access to cGMP batches otherwise reserved for larger buyers. Sourcing locally, wherever possible, sidesteps thorny customs arrangements and helps when every week counts.
Hands-on work with this class of chemicals taught me that a nimble supply chain and strong supplier relationships beat price hunting every time. Anyone building a critical synthetic route owes it to themselves to invest early in supplier due diligence and backup planning. The best projects—whether in industry or academia—keep rolling because the foundational chemicals keep showing up, on time, in quantity, and with paperwork in order.
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