(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate: Properties, Uses & Sourcing

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate is an enantiopure alpha-hydroxy acid ester valued as a chiral building block in asymmetric synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediate research.

Chemical Name

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate

SKU

B728621

Stereochemistry

S-configuration at the alpha carbon (single enantiomer)

Compound Class

Alpha-hydroxy acid ester (chiral)

Functional Groups

Hydroxyl (-OH) and ester (-COO-) groups

Primary Application

Chiral building block in organic and medicinal chemistry synthesis

Chemical Identity and Structure

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate is a chiral ester formed by the esterification of (S)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid with n-butanol. The molecule contains an alpha-hydroxy acid ester motif, featuring a hydroxyl group at the 2-position of the butanoate chain and a butyl ester group. The defined S-configuration at the alpha carbon makes this compound an enantiopure material, distinguishing it from its racemate and the R-enantiomer. The presence of both a hydroxyl and an ester functional group enables versatile downstream chemical transformations, including nucleophilic substitution, oxidation, and condensation reactions relevant to complex molecule construction.

Research Applications and Synthetic Utility

Enantiopure alpha-hydroxy esters such as (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate serve as versatile chiral building blocks in organic synthesis. Their defined stereocenters allow chemists to introduce chirality into target molecules with high predictability, which is particularly valuable in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and natural product analogs. The hydroxyl group at the alpha position can be protected, activated, or further functionalized, while the ester moiety is amenable to hydrolysis, reduction, or transesterification. Such flexibility makes this compound a useful intermediate for constructing enantiopure lactones, amino acids, and other biologically relevant scaffolds.

In medicinal chemistry, alpha-hydroxy acid esters are precursors to compounds with potential bioactivity, and their stereochemical purity is critical for ensuring the correct pharmacological profile of the final drug candidate. Researchers in asymmetric synthesis routinely employ such chiral building blocks to avoid lengthy resolution steps and to achieve high enantiomeric excess in target compounds.

Handling, Storage, and Safety Considerations

As with most ester-containing research reagents, (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate should be handled in a well-ventilated laboratory environment following standard chemical hygiene practices. Appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and a laboratory coat, should be worn at all times during handling. The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container, away from heat, open flames, and incompatible materials such as strong oxidizing agents and strong bases. Storage at cool, dry conditions is recommended to maintain chemical integrity and stereochemical purity over time. Users should consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for specific hazard classifications, first-aid measures, and disposal guidelines applicable to their jurisdiction.

Ordering and Specifications at Aladdin Scientific

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate is available from Aladdin Scientific under SKU B728621. Researchers and procurement teams are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific directly or visit the product page for the most current information on available pack sizes, purity grades, and pricing. Aladdin Scientific is committed to supplying research-grade reagents with rigorous quality control to support reproducible scientific outcomes. For bulk inquiries, custom packaging, or certificate of analysis requests, please reach out to the Aladdin Scientific customer service team.

Frequently asked questions

What is (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate used for in research?

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate is primarily used as a chiral building block in asymmetric organic synthesis. Its defined S-configuration and bifunctional hydroxyl/ester groups make it valuable for constructing enantiopure pharmaceutical intermediates, natural product analogs, and other stereochemically complex molecules.

How should (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate be stored to maintain its stereochemical integrity?

The compound should be stored in a tightly sealed container under cool, dry conditions, away from strong oxidants, strong bases, and sources of heat or ignition. These precautions help prevent racemization, hydrolysis, or other degradation pathways that could compromise enantiopurity.

What is the SKU for (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate at Aladdin Scientific?

(S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate is listed under SKU B728621 at Aladdin Scientific. Customers can use this SKU to search for the product on the Aladdin Scientific website or when placing orders directly with the sales team.

Is (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate the same as (S)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid butyl ester?

Yes, (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate and (S)-2-hydroxybutanoic acid butyl ester are different names for the same compound, referring to the S-enantiomer of the butyl ester of 2-hydroxybutanoic acid. IUPAC nomenclature and common naming conventions may produce slightly different names for the same structure.

References

1. March, J. Advanced Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Structure. Wiley-Interscience. General reference for alpha-hydroxy acid ester chemistry and chiral building blocks.
2. Aladdin Scientific product page for (S)-Butyl 2-Hydroxybutanoate, SKU B728621. Aladdin Scientific Co., Ltd.

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.