4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine (CAS 104531-20-6)

4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine is an amino acid derivative and belongs to the class of aromatic amino acids. 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine is characterized by the presence of a cyano (CN) group attached to the phenylalanine molecule. In scientific research, 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine finds various applications due to its unique chemical properties. It is used as a building block or precursor in peptide synthesis and drug discovery. The cyano group can serve as a versatile functional group, allowing for the introduction of diverse chemical modifications and creating peptide analogs with altered biological activities. One of the key applications of 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine is in the field of medicinal chemistry. Researchers utilize this compound to develop novel peptides with enhanced bioactivity, stability, or pharmacokinetic properties. By incorporating 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine into peptide sequences, scientists can modulate the peptide′s interactions with biological targets, such as receptors or enzymes, potentially leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. The mechanism of action of 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine depends on the specific context and the peptide or molecule it is incorporated into. As an amino acid derivative, 4-Cyano-L-phenylalanine can participate in peptide bond formation during synthesis, contributing to the overall structure and function of the resulting peptide. The presence of the cyano group can influence the peptide′s interactions with biological targets by altering its conformation, stability, or receptor binding affinity. Furthermore, the cyano group can undergo chemical reactions, allowing for further modifications or functionalizations of the peptide. These modifications can impact the peptide′s solubility, membrane permeability, or metabolic stability, influencing its behavior in biological systems.