How is 4-Bromophenylalanine (CAS: 62561-74-4) typically synthesized?

4-Bromophenylalanine can be synthesized from phenylalanine via bromination reactions. Typically, phenylalanine is treated with bromine in the presence of a Lewis acid like aluminum bromide (AlBr3) or n-butyllithium (n-BuLi). The reaction involves the displacement of the amino group by bromine, yielding 4-bromophenylalanine. This method allows for high selectivity and good yield, making it a common approach in the laboratory and industry.