Amino acids are ideal intermediates for drug production because they can be easily modified to produce a wide range of different compounds. Specifically, amino acids act as valuable precursor compounds for chiral substances. Key applications for amino acid intermediates include the manufacture of peptide drugs, amino acid derivatives and protein-based drugs. These versatile intermediates are therefore important for developing a wide range of drugs for cancer, autoimmune and cardiovascular disease as well as pain and inflammation. At Evonik, we are able to provide a broad array of amino acids, the entire spectrum of standard derivatives and custom designed compounds. We also offer non-natural amino acids and derivatives. 

Boronic acid intermediates are highly useful for the synthesis of a range of drugs including anti-inflammatory agents, anti-tumor agents and anti-viral agents. Important applications for boronic acid intermediates include the synthesis of chiral compounds and the synthesis of glycosides. Special boronic acid esters are versatile key intermediates for the synthesis of various APIs used in the field of oncology. Evonik has deep expertise in the difficult reaction conditions required to make special boronic acid esters including cryogenic cooling and handling of self-igniting reagents. Evonik also has the ability to produce small quantities for early phase development as well as scale up to multi-kilogram GMP campaigns for your commercial launch quantities.

Ylides are useful intermediates for pharma applications thanks to their unique structure. They are highly reactive, versatile, and capable of forming new bonds with other molecules, making them ideal for use in complex chemical reactions, such as the synthesis of peptides, steroids and nucleotides. Dozens of ylides are available for standard or custom ordering.

Benzophenones are important intermediates for API synthesis of benzodiazepines, a class of controlled substances that are used therapeutically as sedatives, anxiolytics, or hypnotics. Evonik offers a variety of benzophenones such as 2-(Bromacetamido)-2,5-dichlorobenzophenone, which is used as a starting material for the synthesis of important APIs like Lorazepam or Lormetazepam.

One of the most important uses of phosphonium compounds is as a reaction partner in organic synthesis, such as Wittig synthesis. Evonik has in-depth knowledge of quaternary phosphonium compounds and their derivatives – from pilot-scale production to commercial manufacturing. We also specialize in the development of high-purity stable phosphoranes in salt-free form. We have a highly impressive track record in custom manufacturing, from small quantities of just a few kilograms to far larger scales (up to several metric tons).