Fmoc-Gly-OH, also known as n-fluorene methoxycarbonyl-glycine, is an important amino acid derivative. The following is a detailed analysis of its structural and chemical properties:
I. Structural Characteristics
1. Molecular Formula and Molecular Weight:
·Molecular Formula: C17H15NO4
·Molecular Weight: 297.305 (approximately 297.31)
2. Structural Composition:
·Fmoc-Gly-OH is composed of a glycine moiety and an Fmoc (9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) protecting group.
·The amino group of glycine is linked to the Fmoc group via an amide bond.
3. Functional Groups:
·The molecule contains a carboxylic acid group (-COOH), which is a typical functional group of amino acids.
·The Fmoc group, as a bulky aromatic protecting group, provides structural stability and reactivity to the molecule.
II. Chemical Properties
1. Solubility:
·Fmoc-Gly-OH is soluble in most organic solvents, such as dichloromethane and dimethylformamide.
·Its solubility in water is low, though it is partially soluble.
2. Stability:
·Fmoc-Gly-OH exhibits good stability in dry conditions.
·The Fmoc group is unstable under acidic or high-temperature conditions but can be efficiently removed under alkaline conditions (e.g., with piperidine), making it convenient for use in synthetic processes.
3. Reactivity:
·Due to the presence of a carboxylic acid group, Fmoc-Gly-OH can participate in reactions such as esterification and amidation.
·The Fmoc protecting group ensures that the amino group of glycine remains protected during reactions, preventing unwanted side reactions.
4. Physical State and Appearance:
·Fmoc-Gly-OH typically appears as a white solid or powder.
·It has a specific melting and boiling point, though these values may vary depending on experimental conditions.
5. Other Chemical Properties:
·Physical properties such as density, refractive index, and flash point are important indicators of its chemical behavior.
·During storage, Fmoc-Gly-OH should be kept away from strong oxidizing agents to prevent hazardous reactions.
Fmoc-Gly-OH possesses unique structural characteristics and versatile chemical properties. The Fmoc protecting group safeguards the amino group of glycine during synthesis, while the carboxylic acid group enables participation in various chemical reactions. These features make it an essential compound with broad applications in fields such as biopharmaceuticals and chemical synthesis.