  We report on the successful synthesis and hyperpolarization of N unprotected
{\alpha} amino acid ethyl acrylate esters and extensively, on an alanine
derivative hyperpolarized by PHIP (4.4$\pm$1% $^{13}$C-polarization), meeting
required levels for in vivo detection. Using water as solvent increases
biocompatibility and the absence of N-protection is expected to maintain
biological activity.
