alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Synonym(s):α-Methyl-L-DOPA;L-α-Methyl-DOPA;3-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-methyl-L-alanine;Methyl-L-DOPA;MK-351

CAS NO.：41372-08-1
Empirical Formula: C10H15NO5
Molecular Weight: 229.23
MDL number: MFCD30179484
EINECS: 609-918-1
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-04-21 10:31:43

alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate Structural

What is alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate?

Chemical properties

White Solid

The Uses of alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Antihypertensive agent

The Uses of alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Potent inhibitor of invertase and glucosidase inhibitor with a different specificity of action to DNJ and castanospermine. Inhibits glucosidase I.

The Uses of alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Antihypertensive agent.

What are the applications of Application

L-α-Methyl-DOPA ? sesquihydrate is an L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor and an adrenergic inhibiting agent

Biological Activity

l-(-)-α-methyldopa (hydrate) is an alpha-adrenergic agonist (selective for α2-adrenergic receptors) psychoactive drug used as a sympatholytic or antihypertensive.

Purification Methods

Recrystallise methyldopa from H2O. [Reinhold et al. J Org Chem 33 1209 1968.] The L-isomer forms a sesquihydrate from H2O m 302-304o (dec), and the anhydrous crystals are hygroscopic,[] 23D -4.0o (c 1, 0.1N HCl), []546 +154.5o (c 5, CuSO4 solution). It has max at 281nm ( 2780). Its solubility in H2O at 25o is ~10mg/mL and the pH of an aqueous solution is ~5.0. It is insoluble in most organic solvents. [Stein et al. J Am Chem Soc 77 700 1955, Beilstein 4 IV 2505.]

Properties of alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Melting point:	>300 °C(lit.)
storage temp.	2-8°C
solubility	Slightly soluble in water, very slightly soluble in ethanol (96 per cent). It is freely soluble in dilute mineral acids.
form	neat
form	Solid
color	White to Off-White
optical activity	[α]25/D 13°, c = 1 in H2O
Water Solubility	0.1-1 g/100 mL at 23 ºC
Sensitive	Air & Light Sensitive
Merck	13,6080
BRN	2417244
Stability:	Stable, but may be light sensitive. Very hygroscopic. Undergoes catalytic oxygenation in the presence of magnesium, cupric, cobalt, nickel and ferric ions. Store under a dry atmosphere.
CAS DataBase Reference	41372-08-1(CAS DataBase Reference)

Safety information for alpha-Methyldopa sesquihydrate

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral
Precautionary Statement Codes	P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.