Methyl indole-6-carboxylate
Methyl indole-6-carboxylate (CAS 50820-65-0; C10H9NO2; molar mass 175.18 g/mol) is the methyl ester of indole-6-carboxylic acid, supplied as a crystalline indole building block with a melting point of 76-80 °C. This heterocyclic intermediate is used chiefly in pharmaceutical and chemical research synthesis, where its reactive ester and indole NH offer convenient handles for elaboration. Tech Serve Solutions supplies it at 97% assay as a research-grade reagent to laboratories worldwide.
- IUPAC
- Indole-6-carboxylic acid methyl ester
- Synonyms
- Methyl indole-6-carboxylateIndole-6-carboxylic acid methyl esterMethyl 1H-indole-6-carboxylate6-(Methoxycarbonyl)indole

Heterocyclic building block
Serves as a versatile indole scaffold for multi-step organic synthesis. The methyl ester and free indole NH provide handles for hydrolysis, amidation, transesterification and N-functionalisation.
Medicinal-chemistry intermediate
Used as a reactant in the preparation of small-molecule research compounds, including reported tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO) inhibitors and ITK inhibitors investigated in early-stage drug discovery.
Enzyme- and receptor-targeted research compounds
Documented as a starting material toward botulinum neurotoxin inhibitors and CB2 cannabinoid receptor ligands, supporting structure-activity studies on indole-based chemotypes.
Antiviral and antibacterial research
Reported as an intermediate in routes to hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitors and to antibacterial agents, where the indole core is a recurring pharmacophore.
Reference and laboratory reagent
Suitable as a defined-purity reagent for method development, analytical reference and exploratory synthesis in academic and industrial laboratories.
| Molecular weight | 175.18 |
|---|---|
| Empirical formula | C10H9NO2 |
| Assay | 97% |
| Application | Reactant for preparation of:Tryptophan dioxygenase inhibitors pyridyl-ethenyl-indoles as potential anticancer immunomodulators1Inhibitor of botulinum neurotoxin2ITK inhibitors3Antibacterial agents4CB2 cannabinoid receptor ligands5Inhibitors of hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase6Inhibitors with histamine H1-blocking activity7 |
| Melting point | 76-80 °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-6-carboxylate used for?
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It is used mainly as a heterocyclic building block and intermediate in pharmaceutical and chemical research synthesis. Documented uses include reactant routes toward tryptophan dioxygenase inhibitors, ITK inhibitors, botulinum neurotoxin inhibitors, CB2 cannabinoid receptor ligands, hepatitis C virus NS5B polymerase inhibitors and antibacterial agents.
What is the CAS number and molecular formula of Methyl indole-6-carboxylate?
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The CAS number is 50820-65-0 and the molecular formula is C10H9NO2, with a molecular weight of 175.18 g/mol. The MDL number is MFCD00211063 and the reported melting point is 76-80 °C.
What grade and purity does Tech Serve Solutions supply?
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We supply Methyl indole-6-carboxylate at a typical assay of 97% as a research/technical-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 requirements?
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It is classified under GHS07 with the signal word Warning and hazard statements 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 generation, and ensure adequate ventilation. The German Water Hazard Class (WGK) is 3, so prevent release to drains and watercourses. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet before use.
Is Methyl indole-6-carboxylate a controlled or scheduled substance?
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The supplied data does not indicate any narcotic, psychotropic or precursor control for this product. It is offered for laboratory and manufacturing research use only. Customers remain responsible for confirming the regulatory status in their own jurisdiction.
How is Methyl indole-6-carboxylate packed, shipped and exported?
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It is packed as a solid in tightly sealed containers sized to the order, from gram research quantities to larger laboratory and bulk requirements, with appropriate labelling and documentation. As a specialist exporter since 1998, Tech Serve Solutions ships worldwide in line with applicable transport and customs regulations, with a Safety Data Sheet and certificate of analysis supplied.
How do I request a sample or quote?
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Contact Tech Serve Solutions with your required quantity, purity and destination, quoting CAS 50820-65-0, and our team will respond with availability, lead time and a formal quotation. Sample quantities can be arranged for evaluation, subject to availability.
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