(S)-(-)-2-METHOXYPROPIONIC ACID

(S)-(-)-2-Methoxypropionic Acid (CAS: 23943-97-7) is the enantiomeric counterpart to its (R)-(+)-form, offering complementary stereochemistry for asymmetric synthesis. (S)-(-)-2-Methoxypropionic Acid features a single chiral center with a negative optical rotation, making it an essential building block for the preparation of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. As a compact, polar carboxylic acid, (S)-(-)-2-Methoxypropionic Acid can be readily derivatized via esterification, amidation, or reduction without the need for protecting groups. Whether you need a reference standard for chiral method development or a versatile intermediate for drug discovery, (S)-(-)-2-Methoxypropionic Acid delivers consistent quality and reliable performance.

Product Parameters

What Makes This Compound a Useful Chiral Reagent?

The carboxylic acid group can be activated to form amides or esters with prochiral or chiral amines/alcohols. Its small size and defined absolute configuration (S) make it an excellent candidate for:

● Chiral derivatizing agent (CDA) for determining enantiomeric excess of chiral amines and alcohols by ¹H NMR. The methoxy group gives a distinct chemical shift difference in diastereomers.

● Chiral resolving agent – the acid can form diastereomeric salts with racemic amines, allowing separation by crystallization.

● Building block for chiral pharmaceuticals – the 2‑methoxypropionyl group appears in various drug candidates as a fragment that improves metabolic stability compared to the unsubstituted propionyl.

● Asymmetric synthesis – can be reduced to the corresponding chiral alcohol ((S)-2‑methoxypropanol) or converted to the acid chloride for Friedel‑Crafts type introductions.

Safety and Handling

This compound is classified as a flammable liquid (storage class 10) and poses a serious risk of eye damage (Category 1) . It is also irritating to the respiratory system and skin (R36/37/38). Follow these precautions:

● Eye protection: Wear chemical safety goggles or a face shield (safety statement 39).

● Gloves: Use chemical‑resistant gloves (e.g., nitrile) – safety statement 37.

● Ventilation: Handle in a fume hood to avoid inhalation of vapors.

● First aid: In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice (safety statement 26). For skin contact, wash with soap and water.

● Storage: Keep in a refrigerator (2–8 °C), away from sources of ignition, oxidizers, and heat. The container should be tightly sealed and stored under inert atmosphere if possible.

● Disposal: Follow local regulations for flammable organic acids. Do not release into the environment – WGK 3 indicates high water hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I determine the enantiomeric purity of this compound?

A: Enantiomeric purity can be assessed by chiral GC (using a cyclodextrin column) or by converting the acid to a methyl ester with (R)- or (S)-1‑phenylethylamine and analyzing the diastereomers by NMR or HPLC. Cosperpharm provides the specific rotation value on each COA as a batch‑specific quality attribute.

Q2: Is this compound water‑soluble?

A: The free acid has limited water solubility but is miscible with many polar organic solvents (chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol). For reactions in aqueous media, the sodium salt (S)-2‑methoxypropionate is water‑soluble.

Contact us

Have a project that needs a reliable source of (S)-(-)-2-methoxypropionic acid? Drop us a note – whether you need a small bottle for method development or a larger volume for scale‑up, Cosperpharm is ready to help. We’ll reply with a quote, a sample request form, or just a friendly answer to your technical question. No pushy sales pitch – just honest support for your research.