S-Benzylcysteine(CAS: 3054-01-1)

S-Benzylcysteine is a white or off-white crystalline solid with a molecular weight of approximately 205.23 g/mol. It is slightly soluble in water and ethanol. S-Benzylcysteine is reactive towards nucleophiles and can undergo substitution reactions. It has a pKa of around 7.5, indicating it is slightly basic.

S-Benzylcysteine can be synthesized by the reaction of benzyl isocyanate with cysteine in the presence of a base such as triethylamine. The reaction yields S-Benzylcysteine with good selectivity and fair yield, typically around 70-80%.

S-Benzylcysteine is primarily used in the pharmaceutical industry for its potential as a precursor to prodrugs and in the development of new therapeutic agents. It also finds applications in the chemical and polymer industries due to its reactive nature, and in the manufacturing of certain sensors and electronic devices.

When handling S-Benzylcysteine, it is recommended to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat. Work should be conducted in a well-ventilated area or a fume hood. Spills should be cleaned up with caution using appropriate absorbent materials and rinsed with water. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detailed safety information and emergency procedures.