CAS 134848-96-7: Pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, phenylmethyl ester

Benzyl 5-hydroxypentanoate

Benzyl 5-hydroxypentanoate is a catalytic agent that acts as a prodrug for the synthesis of benzyl 5-hydroxyvalerate, which is a precursor to the natural coagulation factor fibrinogen. The compound has been shown to be effective in the treatment of thrombosis and has been used to treat patients with clotting disorders. Benzyl 5-hydroxypentanoate binds to albumin and other serum proteins, and this interaction is believed to contribute to its ability to inhibit blood clotting. The lead compound was optimized by changing its structure from benzyl 5-pentenoate, which did not bind well with albumin, into benzyl 5-hydroxypentanoate. This change increased the rate at which it was metabolized into the active form of benzyl 5-hydroxyvalerate, resulting in an increase in the level of fibrinogen that could be synthesized by the body.