molecular formula C5H9ClO3 B076961 Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate CAS No. 10488-68-3

Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate

Cat. No.: B076961
CAS No.: 10488-68-3
M. Wt: 152.57 g/mol
InChI Key: WMRINGSAVOPXTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
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Description

Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate is an organic compound with the molecular formula C5H9ClO3. It is a chiral molecule, meaning it has non-superimposable mirror images, which is significant in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds. This compound is often used as an intermediate in the synthesis of various pharmaceuticals, particularly those requiring chiral purity.

Scientific Research Applications

Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate is widely used in scientific research due to its role as a chiral intermediate. Its applications include:

Safety and Hazards

“Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate” is classified as a hazardous substance. It is harmful if swallowed, causes skin irritation, causes serious eye irritation, and may cause respiratory irritation . Safety measures include wearing protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding dust formation .

Future Directions

“Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate” is a precursor of enantiopure intermediates used for the production of chiral drugs, including the cholesterol-lowering 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) . The biocatalytic synthesis of enantiomerically pure compounds for pharmaceutical intermediates is gaining momentum . This is the result of advances in genomics, screening, and evolution technologies leading to the increased availability of new and robust biocatalysts suited for industrial-scale application .

Mechanism of Action

Target of Action

Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate is primarily targeted by carbonyl reductase . This enzyme plays a crucial role in the biotransformation of the compound. It is often found in organisms such as Escherichia coli .

Mode of Action

The compound interacts with its target, the carbonyl reductase, through a process known as biotransformation . This interaction results in the conversion of ethyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate (COBE) into ethyl (S)-4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate [(S)-CHBE] by the action of the carbonyl reductase .

Biochemical Pathways

The primary biochemical pathway affected by this compound involves the reduction of COBE to (S)-CHBE . This process is catalyzed by the carbonyl reductase enzyme and results in the production of (S)-CHBE, a key chiral intermediate for synthesizing cholesterol-lowering drugs .

Pharmacokinetics

The compound’s bioavailability is likely influenced by its interaction with the carbonyl reductase enzyme and its subsequent biotransformation .

Result of Action

The molecular and cellular effects of this compound’s action primarily involve the production of (S)-CHBE . This compound is a crucial chiral intermediate used in the synthesis of cholesterol-lowering drugs, including hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibitors .

Action Environment

The action, efficacy, and stability of this compound can be influenced by various environmental factors. For instance, the biotransformation of COBE into (S)-CHBE was found to be more effective when choline chloride/glycerol was used as a biocompatible solvent . Furthermore, the addition of L-glutamine and Tween-80 into the reaction media was shown to improve the biosynthesis of (S)-CHBE .

Preparation Methods

Synthetic Routes and Reaction Conditions: Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate can be synthesized through the asymmetric reduction of methyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate. This reduction is typically catalyzed by stereoselective enzymes such as carbonyl reductases. The reaction conditions often involve mild temperatures and the presence of a cofactor regeneration system to maintain the activity of the enzyme .

Industrial Production Methods: In industrial settings, the production of this compound often employs biocatalysis due to its high enantioselectivity and efficiency. Recombinant Escherichia coli expressing carbonyl reductase and glucose dehydrogenase genes are commonly used. The process involves culturing the recombinant E. coli in large fermentors, followed by the biocatalytic reduction of methyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate in an aqueous-organic solvent system .

Chemical Reactions Analysis

Types of Reactions: Methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate undergoes various chemical reactions, including:

    Oxidation: It can be oxidized to form methyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate.

    Reduction: The compound can be reduced to form this compound.

    Substitution: The chlorine atom can be substituted with other nucleophiles under appropriate conditions.

Common Reagents and Conditions:

    Oxidation: Common oxidizing agents include potassium permanganate and chromium trioxide.

    Reduction: Enzymatic reduction using carbonyl reductases is common.

    Substitution: Nucleophiles such as sodium azide or thiols can be used for substitution reactions.

Major Products:

Comparison with Similar Compounds

    Ethyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate: Similar in structure but with an ethyl ester group instead of a methyl ester group.

    Methyl 3-hydroxybutanoate: Lacks the chlorine atom, making it less reactive in certain substitution reactions.

    Methyl 4-chloro-3-oxobutanoate: The oxidized form of methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate.

Uniqueness: this compound is unique due to its chiral nature and the presence of both a hydroxyl and a chlorine group. This combination allows for a wide range of chemical reactions and makes it a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of enantiomerically pure pharmaceuticals .

Properties

IUPAC Name

methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

InChI

InChI=1S/C5H9ClO3/c1-9-5(8)2-4(7)3-6/h4,7H,2-3H2,1H3
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

InChI Key

WMRINGSAVOPXTE-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

Canonical SMILES

COC(=O)CC(CCl)O
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

Molecular Formula

C5H9ClO3
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

DSSTOX Substance ID

DTXSID30394469
Record name methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate
Source EPA DSSTox
URL https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/DTXSID30394469
Description DSSTox provides a high quality public chemistry resource for supporting improved predictive toxicology.

Molecular Weight

152.57 g/mol
Source PubChem
URL https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Description Data deposited in or computed by PubChem

CAS No.

10488-68-3
Record name methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate
Source EPA DSSTox
URL https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/DTXSID30394469
Description DSSTox provides a high quality public chemistry resource for supporting improved predictive toxicology.

Retrosynthesis Analysis

AI-Powered Synthesis Planning: Our tool employs the Template_relevance Pistachio, Template_relevance Bkms_metabolic, Template_relevance Pistachio_ringbreaker, Template_relevance Reaxys, Template_relevance Reaxys_biocatalysis model, leveraging a vast database of chemical reactions to predict feasible synthetic routes.

One-Step Synthesis Focus: Specifically designed for one-step synthesis, it provides concise and direct routes for your target compounds, streamlining the synthesis process.

Accurate Predictions: Utilizing the extensive PISTACHIO, BKMS_METABOLIC, PISTACHIO_RINGBREAKER, REAXYS, REAXYS_BIOCATALYSIS database, our tool offers high-accuracy predictions, reflecting the latest in chemical research and data.

Strategy Settings

Precursor scoring Relevance Heuristic
Min. plausibility 0.01
Model Template_relevance
Template Set Pistachio/Bkms_metabolic/Pistachio_ringbreaker/Reaxys/Reaxys_biocatalysis
Top-N result to add to graph 6

Feasible Synthetic Routes

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Customer
Q & A

Q1: What is the significance of the reaction between methyl 4-chloro-3-hydroxybutanoate and halohydrin dehalogenase?

A1: The reaction between this compound ((R,S)-2) and a mutated halohydrin dehalogenase (Trp249Phe) is significant because it enables the sequential kinetic resolution of the racemic mixture. [] This means the enzyme selectively converts one enantiomer of the substrate ((R)-2) into a different product, leaving the other enantiomer ((S)-2) largely unreacted. This process is highly valuable for obtaining enantiopure compounds, which are important building blocks for pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals. In this specific case, the reaction yields (S)-methyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutanoate ((S)-4) with high enantiomeric excess (96.8% ee), which is a useful building block for statin side-chains. []

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