97% Purity N-ethoxycarbonylcarbamic acid ethyl ester CAS 19617-44-8

1. Compact & Sterically Undemanding Protecting Group​

​Benefit:​​ Introduces the ethoxycarbonyl (EOC) group, which is ​significantly smaller​ than the common tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group.

​Application Scenario:​​ Ideal for protecting amines in the synthesis of ​sterically crowded peptides or complex natural products, where bulkier groups might hinder subsequent coupling or cyclization reactions. Enables higher yields in constrained molecular environments.

​2. Mild and Orthogonal Deprotection​

​Benefit:​​ The EOC group is ​cleaved under mild acidic conditions​ (e.g., dilute HCl, TFA in DCM at 0°C to rt), which are notably gentler than those needed for Boc removal (stronger TFA, often heated).

​Application Scenario:​​ Essential for ​multi-step synthesis featuring acid-sensitive functionalities​ (e.g., tert-butyl esters, certain glycosidic bonds, or delicate heterocycles). Allows for selective deprotection in the presence of other acid-labile groups.

​3. Superior Safety Profile as an Isocyanate Surrogate​

​Benefit:​​ Serves as a ​stable, liquid alternative to highly toxic and volatile ethyl isocyanate.

​Application Scenario:​​ Enables safe, scalable synthesis of ​ureas, carbamates, and hydantoins​ in pharmaceutical and agrochemical R&D without requiring specialized equipment to handle gaseous or highly toxic isocyanates. This improves lab safety and process controllability.

​4. Versatile Building Block for Heterocycle Synthesis​

​Benefit:​​ Its bis-electrophilic nature (two reactive carbonyls) makes it an efficient ​one- or two-atom donor​ for nitrogen-containing rings.

​Application Scenario:​​ Widely used in the efficient, one-pot synthesis of ​hydantoins (imidazolidine-2,4-diones)​​ and ​barbiturate analogs—core structures in medicinal chemistry for neurological and anti-infective agents—via reactions with diamines or di-active methylene compounds.

​5. Cost-Effective and Accessible​

​Benefit:​​ Typically ​more economical​ than many specialized protecting group reagents (e.g., Fmoc-OSu, certain Boc derivatives).

​Application Scenario:​​ A practical choice for ​early-stage R&D and large-scale intermediate preparation​ where cost sensitivity is a factor, without sacrificing performance for its intended uses.

N-Ethoxycarbonylcarbamic Acid Ethyl Ester (CAS 19617-44-8)​ ​fills a specific niche​ where its ​small size and mild deprotection conditions are critical. It is not a universal replacement for Boc or Cbz but is the ​superior choice​ when minimizing steric hindrance or preserving acid-labile frameworks is paramount. Its role as a ​safe, synthetic equivalent of ethyl isocyanate​ provides a unique and valuable function in heterocycle and urea formation.

Q1: What is the main purpose of this chemical for a synthetic chemist?

A:​ Its primary use is as a protecting group reagent and a versatile synthetic building block. If you need to temporarily mask an amine function with a moderately sized, acid-labile protecting group, or if you are constructing specific nitrogen heterocycles, this reagent is often an excellent choice.

Q2: How should I store it, and what is its shelf life?

A:​ Store under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon)​ in a cool, dry place​ (typically 2-8°C or as recommended by the supplier). Keep the container tightly sealed. Due to its sensitivity to moisture, its effective shelf life can be limited; it's best used soon after purchase or after opening. Always check for signs of decomposition (e.g., discoloration, gas pressure).

Q3: What are the key safety considerations?

A:​ Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use. General hazards may include:

Irritant:​ Can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.

Moisture Sensitivity:​ Reacts with water/humidity, which may release gases.

Always use in a well-ventilated fume hood, wear appropriate PPE (safety goggles, gloves, lab coat), and avoid inhalation or contact.

Q4: How does it compare to the more common Boc anhydride (Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate)?

A:​ While both are carbonate-based protecting reagents, the ethoxycarbonyl (EOC) group from this ester is smaller and more labile​ than the tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) group. Deprotection of the EOC group requires milder acidic conditions. The choice depends on your synthesis strategy and the stability needed for other functional groups in your molecule.

Q5: Can you recommend a standard procedure for using it as a protecting agent?

A:​ A common procedure involves reacting it with the target amine in an inert solvent (like dichloromethane or THF), often in the presence of a mild base (such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine, DMAP, or triethylamine) to scavenge the acid generated. Reaction conditions (temperature, time) should be optimized for your specific substrate.

Q6: Where can I purchase it, and what purity is available?

A:​ It is available from specialized fine chemical and laboratory supply companies (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich, TCI, Combi-Blocks, Alfa Aesar). It is typically offered in research quantities (e.g., 1g, 5g, 25g, 100g) with standard purities of 95% to 98%. Higher purities may be available upon request.