Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate comes up a lot in organic synthesis discussions. Many chemists know it as an ester derivative stemming from L-proline—a natural amino acid. This compound shows up as a notable raw material in the world of fine chemicals, pharmaceutical development, and peptide research. On the shelves, you might come across it in different forms—flaky solids, fine powders, or crystalline pearls—depending on how it’s processed, transported, and stored. Every time you pick up a container, you notice how consistently the product maintains its physical state, revealing a practical stability under normal storage conditions.
With the molecular formula C7H11NO3, Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate holds a distinct five-membered pyrrolidine core, carrying functional groups that set it apart from simpler esters. Ethylation of the carboxy group in the proline framework transforms its reactivity, making it fit for use in a slew of synthesis projects. The molecular weight reaches about 157.17 g/mol, which chemists often keep in mind for making accurate reagent calculations. The crystalline lattice you see under magnification points to well-ordered molecules lining up, helping the powder pour with ease and reducing caking inside containers.
Depending on the grade and purity, Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate ranges from off-white powder to nearly colorless crystals. With a melting point settling near 84–87 degrees Celsius, it doesn’t turn into a liquid until fairly high temperatures—this helps during dry storage and transport. Chemists depend on the measured density of roughly 1.2 g/cm3 at standard room temperature to figure out how best to dissolve it for downstream reactions. Whether measured by hand or digital densimeter, the value rarely strays, bringing predictability to every batch. In practical settings, you hardly find it in solution on the shelf—it’s the dry forms that arrive in bottles, though solubility tests confirm good mixing in polar solvents. Handling it in the lab, you feel how the powder flows smoothly, not sticking to gloves, thanks to limited moisture uptake.
Synthetic chemists rely on Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate to serve as a building block for active pharmaceutical ingredients, advanced intermediates, and specialized agrochemical compounds. The five-membered lactam ring group plays a key part in constructing proline-based peptide mimics or medicinal scaffolds for drug discovery. This chemical doesn’t show up by itself in finished medicines, but it’s instrumental in multistep syntheses. In some settings, analysts use it for structure-activity relationship studies due to its versatile ester and ketone moieties. Its shelf-stable, non-volatile nature makes lab workers comfortable integrating it into complex workflows. Every established laboratory lists this raw material among their standard amino acid derivatives, reinforcing its utility across research and preclinical development.
On safety sheets, Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate draws moderate attention—not highly hazardous, but not free from risk. Direct skin contact leads to mild irritation in rare cases; intake precautions mirror those for typical organic esters. Chemists know to wear fresh gloves during handling, storing bottles away from open flames and strong oxidizers. Under normal conditions, it doesn’t release fumes or vapors worth worrying about, but in case of fire, carbon oxides can develop and cause issues for first responders. Disposal follows local chemical waste protocols, as with most nitrogen-containing organic esters. Material safety data underscores washing with soap after accidental exposure and ensuring good ventilation during use. Hazard identification numbers, like the UN and GHS classifications, underline routine but important care—no shortcuts for safety.
For customs paperwork, the HS Code plays a central role. Most shippers log Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate under code 2924.29, which falls into the bucket for acyclic amides and derivatives. When importing between continents—especially across Europe, North America, and Asia—regulators look for clear labeling, up-to-date COAs, and full hazard documentation. Even with all those steps, global supply chains keep the product moving to R&D laboratories, contract manufacturers, and universities. Many suppliers source base materials using well-documented synthetic routes, guaranteeing batch reproducibility and product traceability from start to finish. These records matter for both scale-up chemists and regulatory auditors seeking transparency on raw inputs.
Reliable analytics keep Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate up to standard, from the moment it’s produced to when it’s weighed out in a flask. Modern lots tend to meet purity thresholds above 98%, confirmed by HPLC, NMR, and mass spec analysis every step of the way. Residual solvents drop to near undetectable levels by the time samples reach the end user. Specifications document water content, melting range, molecular identity, and absence of major impurities—supporting the reliability of every reaction downstream. Technicians pull random vials for spot-checking, running IR and GC for chemical fingerprinting, maintaining a strong feedback loop between producer and client labs. Genuine defects get flagged early, keeping recalls rare and preserving trust over thousands of kilos supplied globally.
Production cycles for Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate draw from sustainable supply chains wherever possible, aiming to shrink both waste and energy usage. Facilities that adhere to ISO standards employ closed synthesis reactors and recycle solvents to cut emissions. Finished product stores best in cool, dry rooms, away from direct heat or sunlight, making most chemical storerooms suitable. Containers routinely use chemical-resistant plastics, locking out moisture and limiting the risk of contamination. On-site audits look for proper segregation of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, and many groups have shifted to “green chemistry” routes that work around traditional halogenated solvents. Tracking every batch from original feedstock to packaged final form keeps everyone honest and reduces environmental surprise.
Working directly with Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate, the first thing that stands out is the ease with which it weighs out, granules pouring neatly from glass or plastic. Compared to hygroscopic compounds that grab moisture, this material resists clumping and clings to neither scoop nor balance pan, making for easy, accurate measurements. Users benefit from double-sealing pouches and resealable bottles; once opened, bottles last for months with only slight changes in appearance or handling characteristics. You can prepare liter-scale solutions for bulk synthesis or milligram aliquots for screening—each turns clear with only gentle swirling in solvents like ethanol or acetonitrile. Across years of bench chemistry, experienced hands agree: proper storage and gentle handling prevent nearly all product degradation, so expiry dates truly reflect long-term stability.
As research expands, demand for Ethyl 5-Oxo-L-Prolinate keeps growing, challenging producers to keep output high without cutting corners. Sourcing clean, renewable feedstocks remains a concern, especially as global regulation tightens. Waste minimization during syntheses will shape the industry’s evolution, with stricter environmental controls. Many chemists see a future in catalyst optimization and process intensification—helping reduce solvents, boost yields, and improve overall safety profiles. Moving forward, regular investment in analytical chemistry and cross-market supply reliability will matter just as much as the base chemical’s purity and stability in the lab.
