Methyl indole-4-carboxylate
Methyl indole-4-carboxylate (CAS 39830-66-5) is the methyl ester of indole-4-carboxylic acid, a heterocyclic building block with the molecular formula C10H9NO2 and a molar mass of 175.18 g/mol. Supplied as a solid (melting point 68-71 °C), it is used chiefly in pharmaceutical and medicinal-chemistry synthesis as a substituted-indole reactant for preparing kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists, nucleosides and related fine-chemical intermediates. Tech Serve Solutions supplies it at 99% assay to research and manufacturing customers worldwide.
- IUPAC
- 4-Methoxycarbonylindole
- Synonyms
- Methyl indole-4-carboxylate4-MethoxycarbonylindoleMethyl 1H-indole-4-carboxylateIndole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester1H-Indole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester

Indole building block for medicinal chemistry
Serves as a 4-functionalised indole scaffold for constructing bioactive molecules. The methyl ester offers a convenient handle for hydrolysis, amidation, reduction and further elaboration in multi-step synthesis.
Kinase-inhibitor synthesis
Used as a reactant in routes towards kinase inhibitors, including reported preparations of JNK3 MAP kinase inhibitors. The indole core is a recurring motif in protein-kinase drug discovery.
Receptor antagonists and enzyme inhibitors
Applied in the preparation of histamine H3 receptor antagonists and inhibitors of enzymes such as beta-tryptase and tryptophan dioxygenase, where the substituted indole contributes to target binding.
Anticancer and cytotoxic agent research
Reported as a reactant in the synthesis of pyridyl-ethenyl-indoles studied as immunomodulators and of cytotoxic agents directed against multidrug-resistant cancer cells. Supplied for research and manufacturing use only.
Nucleoside and heterocycle preparation
Functions as an intermediate in the preparation of nucleosides and other nitrogen heterocycles, supporting exploratory and route-development work in fine-chemical synthesis.
| Molecular weight | 175.18 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C10H9NO2 |
| Assay | 99% |
| Application | • Reactant for preparation of tryptophan dioxygenase inhibitors pyridyl-ethenyl-indoles as potential anticancer immunomodulators1• Reactant for preparation of cytotoxic agents against multidrug-resistant cancer cells2• Reactant for preparation of inhibitor for β-tryptase3• Reactant for preparation of histamine H3 antagonists4• Reactant for preparation of JNK3 MAP kinase inhibitors5• Reactant for preparation of nucleosides6 |
| Melting point | 68-71 °C(lit.) |

Hazard statements
- H315Causes skin irritation
- H319Causes serious eye irritation
- H335May cause respiratory irritation
Precautionary statements
- P261Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas or vapours
- P305IF IN EYES
| Protective equipment | dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves |
|---|---|
| Water hazard class (WGK, DE) | 3 |
| Hazard codes (EU) | Xi |
| Risk statements (R) | 36/37/38 |
| Safety statements (S) | 26-36 |
Hazard information is provided for guidance. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS), available on request, before handling.
Documentation
Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering assay, identity and purity; the grade is confirmed against your enquiry. Safety Data Sheets and technical data sheets are available on request.
Supply & logistics
Samples for technical evaluation; bulk MOQ by grade and packaging. In-stock material ships in 7–10 working days, worldwide, with full export documentation.
What is Methyl indole-4-carboxylate used for?
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It is used mainly as a heterocyclic building block in pharmaceutical and medicinal-chemistry synthesis. As a 4-substituted indole bearing a reactive methyl ester, it is a reactant for preparing kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists, enzyme inhibitors, nucleosides and related fine-chemical intermediates.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of Methyl indole-4-carboxylate?
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The CAS number is 39830-66-5 and the molecular formula is C10H9NO2, with a molecular weight of 175.18 g/mol. Related identifiers include MDL number MFCD00191222 and Beilstein Registry Number 141826. It is also known as 4-methoxycarbonylindole.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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Tech Serve Solutions supplies Methyl indole-4-carboxylate at 99% assay as a research and synthesis-grade reagent. We do not represent it as USP, BP or EP pharmacopoeial grade. A certificate of analysis can be provided with each batch on request.
What are the safety and handling precautions for Methyl indole-4-carboxylate?
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It carries GHS pictogram GHS07 with the signal word Warning. The hazard statements are H315 (causes skin irritation), H319 (causes serious eye irritation) and H335 (may cause respiratory irritation). Handle with gloves, eye protection and an N95-type dust mask, avoid dust formation, and follow the precautionary advice P261 and P305+P351+P338. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.
Is Methyl indole-4-carboxylate a controlled or scheduled substance?
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The supplied data indicates no drug-control or scheduling status for this compound. It is offered as a standard laboratory and manufacturing reagent. Customers remain responsible for confirming compliance with the import, handling and end-use regulations applicable in their own jurisdiction.
How is Methyl indole-4-carboxylate packed, shipped and exported?
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It is supplied as a solid in securely sealed containers, with pack sizes from gram quantities to bulk to suit research and production needs. Consignments are labelled and documented to GHS and applicable transport requirements, and we export worldwide with the appropriate Safety Data Sheet and certificate of analysis.
How do I request a sample or quote?
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Contact Tech Serve Solutions with your required quantity, purity and destination, and our team will respond with availability, lead time and documentation. Samples and a certificate of analysis can be arranged to support evaluation and qualification.
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