4-Phenylbutyric Acid (4-PBA)
A versatile building block and the key intermediate for phenylbutyrate-based APIs, also used in research.

Key intermediate for phenylbutyrate APIs
4-Phenylbutyric Acid (4-PBA) is a versatile building block and the key intermediate in the manufacture of phenylbutyrate-based APIs such as sodium phenylbutyrate and glycerol phenylbutyrate. Its reliable supply and purity directly affect the quality of these downstream products.
Beyond its role as an intermediate, 4-PBA is itself of pharmaceutical and research interest as a “chemical chaperone” that helps proteins fold correctly and reduces endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) stress — properties studied across metabolic, neurological and other disease models.
Its role
Core precursor
Serves as the core precursor for phenylbutyrate API synthesis.
Chemical chaperone
Functions as a chemical chaperone / ER-stress reducer in research use.
Upstream quality
Consistent quality upstream ensures consistent downstream API.
Key applications
API intermediate
Intermediate for sodium and glycerol phenylbutyrate APIs.
Research use
Chemical chaperone and ER-stress research.
Specialty chemicals
Specialty pharmaceutical and fine-chemical formulations.
Product specifications (typical)
| CAS No. | 1821-12-1 |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C10H12O2 |
| Molecular Weight | ≈ 164.20 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder / solid |
| Assay / Purity | As per agreed specification (high-purity grades available) |
| Category | API intermediate |
High-purity grades supplied to your agreed specification, with COA and SDS on every shipment.
Quality & compliance
- Reliable intermediate supply for downstream API manufacturing
- Consistent purity with documented specifications (COA, SDS)
Packaging & storage
Supplied in HDPE / fibre drums or as required. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from incompatible materials.
Why choose Narmada Organics
Dependable, high-purity intermediate supply for synthesis programmes.
Flexible batch sizes to support scale-up manufacturing.
COA and SDS on every shipment, with global export.
Frequently asked questions
Is 4-PBA an intermediate or a finished API?
Primarily a key intermediate for phenylbutyrate APIs, though it is also used directly in research and specialty formulations.
What purity grades are available?
High-purity grades supplied to your agreed specification, with COA.
Can you supply consistent quality for scale-up manufacturing?
Yes — consistent, documented purity with flexible batch sizes for reliable downstream production.
Do you export and provide documentation?
Yes — global export with COA and SDS on every shipment.
Need high-purity 4-PBA for synthesis?
Get specifications, COA and pricing with flexible batch sizes. Our team responds within one business day.