(2S)-2-(3-oxo-1H-isoindol-2-yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid

**(2S)-2-(3-oxo-1H-isoindol-2-yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid** is a chemical compound, also known as **(S)-Phthaloyl-D-phenylalanine**, a derivative of the amino acid phenylalanine.

Here's a breakdown of its structure and potential importance in research:

**Structure:**

* **(2S)-2-:** Indicates the stereochemistry at the second carbon atom. S stands for Sinister and indicates a specific arrangement of substituents around the chiral center.
* **(3-oxo-1H-isoindol-2-yl):** This part refers to a phthalimide group, which is a cyclic imide derived from phthalic acid. It's attached to the second carbon atom.
* **3-phenylpropanoic acid:** This is the core structure of the molecule, a phenyl ring attached to a propanoic acid chain.

**Importance in Research:**

(2S)-2-(3-oxo-1H-isoindol-2-yl)-3-phenylpropanoic acid has potential applications in various research fields:

* **Drug Discovery:** The phthalimide group, along with the chiral center, makes this compound a versatile starting point for synthesizing novel pharmaceuticals. Phthalimides are known for their diverse pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties.
* **Materials Science:** This compound might be useful for developing new polymers or other materials. The phthalimide group can be used to introduce specific functional groups or create cross-linking points in polymers.
* **Biochemistry:** The compound's relationship to phenylalanine makes it relevant for studying protein synthesis and metabolism. It could be used as a probe to investigate the function of enzymes involved in phenylalanine metabolism.
* **Chemical Synthesis:** The presence of the phthalimide group offers possibilities for chemical modification and synthesis of other molecules. This makes the compound useful as a building block in organic chemistry.

**Specific Applications:**

* **Anti-cancer Research:** Some phthalimides have shown anti-cancer activity, and derivatives of this compound might be explored for their potential in treating specific types of cancer.
* **Alzheimer's Disease Research:** The phthalimide group is being investigated for its potential role in inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid-beta peptides, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease.

**Important Note:**

While this compound holds promise for research, its exact properties and applications are still under investigation. Further research is required to fully understand its potential and develop specific applications in the aforementioned fields.