Description

(R)-2-Hydroxyethyl-L-Cysteine is a chiral, non-proteinogenic amino acid derivative of L-cysteine featuring a hydroxymethyl group. This compound matters as a versatile chiral building block and intermediate, prized for its ability to introduce a thiol functional group with a defined stereocenter into complex molecules. It is primarily needed by pharmaceutical researchers and manufacturers for applications in drug discovery, peptide synthesis, and the development of diagnostic agents and biochemical tools.

Application

• Pharmaceutical Intermediate: A key chiral synthon for the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), particularly in drugs targeting the central nervous system or metabolic pathways.
• Peptide Modification: Used to introduce a thiol-containing side chain into synthetic peptides for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies or to create site-specific conjugation points.
• Bioconjugation Chemistry: Serves as a linker or functional handle for coupling biomolecules (e.g., proteins, antibodies) to drugs, dyes, or solid supports via thiol-reactive chemistry (maleimide, iodoacetyl).
• Biochemical Research: Employed as a substrate or inhibitor in enzymatic studies, particularly those involving cysteine proteases or enzymes utilizing thiol-based redox mechanisms.
• Diagnostic Reagent Synthesis: A precursor in the manufacturing of contrast agents or fluorescent probes used in medical imaging and diagnostic assays.
• Cosmetic & Personal Care Actives: Potential use as a precursor for synthesizing antioxidants or skin-conditioning agents that mimic natural biological processes.

Basic Information

Product Name	(R)-2-Hydroxyethyl-L-Cysteine
CAS No.	97170-10-0
Molecular Formula	C5H11NO3S
Molecular Weight	165.21 g/mol
Synonyms	L-Cysteine, S-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, (R)-; (R)-S-(2-Hydroxyethyl)cysteine; (2R)-2-Amino-3-(2-hydroxyethylsulfanyl)propanoic acid; (R)-2-Amino-3-(2-hydroxyethylthio)propionic acid; H-Cys(2-Hydroxyethyl)-OH; (R)-Thiocysteine S-oxide (related); NSC 334913; S-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our (R)-2-Hydroxyethyl-L-Cysteine is produced under a strict quality management system. Each batch undergoes comprehensive analytical testing, including chiral purity verification by HPLC, to ensure it meets the high standards required for research and pharmaceutical applications. Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing identity, purity, and impurity profiles are available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry place at a controlled room temperature (15-25°C). This material is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) and easily oxidized; for long-term storage, consider under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) in a desiccator.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white crystalline powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms to structure
Assay (HPLC)	≥ 98.0%
Chiral Purity (HPLC)	≥ 99.0% ee
Water Content (KF)	≤ 1.0%
Residue on Ignition	≤ 0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb)	≤ 10 ppm

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.