Description

• General description: α-Methylhydrocinnamic acid (2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic acid, 2-benzylpropionic acid) is a cinnamic acid derivative. Its synthesis by the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-methylcinnamic acid has been reported.[1] α-Methylhydrocinnamic acid, a short chain fatty acid derivative (SCFAD), has been reported to correct the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (ΔF508-CFTR) defect.[2] Conformational studies of 2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic acid has been investigated by NMR spectroscopy.[3] The enantiomers of 2-benzylpropionic acid has been reported to be synthesized using a lipase-catalyzed resolution.[4] (S) (+)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic acid participates in the synthesis of optically active (R)-5-methyl-6-phenylhexanoyl azide.[5] L-2-Methyl-3.phenylpropionic acid has been reported to be an inhibitor of carboxypeptidase A.[6] Polymer-supported “Evans” oxazolidinone mediated solid phase asymmetric has been employed in the synthesis of (S)-2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic acid.[7]
• Application: α-Methylhydrocinnamic acid is suitable for use in the comparative study to investigate the γ-globin inducibility of short-chain fatty acid derivatives (SCFADs) in mice.[8] It may be used as a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor in the comparative study to investigate the EGFP-induction potency of a number of HDAC inhibitors.[9] It may be used in the study to investigate the selectivity of the sensor based on imprinted poly(o-phenylenediamine) (iPoPD).[10]