ABSTRACT
In this paper we describe a simple and efficient solution-phase synthesis of N-methyl-N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids. This represents a very important application in peptide synthesis to obtain N-methylated peptides in both solution and solid phase. The developed methodology involves the use of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids with the carboxyl function protected as a phenacyl ester and the methylating reagent diazomethane. An important aspect of this synthetic strategy is the possibility to selectively deprotect the carboxyl function or alternatively both amino and carboxyl moieties by using the same reagent with a different molar excess and under mild conditions. Furthermore, the adopted procedure keeps unchanged the acid-sensitive side chain protecting groups used in Fmoc-based synthetic strategies.
Subject(s)
Acetophenones/chemistry , Amino Acids/chemical synthesis , Peptides/chemical synthesis , Amino Acid Sequence , Amino Acids/chemistry , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Esters , Indicators and Reagents/chemistry , Peptides/chemistry , Solutions/chemistry , StereoisomerismABSTRACT
A convenient route for the synthesis of lipophilic N-Fmoc-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids and N-nosyl-N-methyl-alpha-amino acids, interesting building blocks to be used for the preparation of N-methylated peptides, is presented. Both nosyl- and Fmoc-protected monomers are accessible, so these compounds can be used in solution as well as in solid phase peptide synthesis. The methodology is based on the use of benzhydryl group to protect temporarily the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and on the subsequent methylation of the N-nosyl-alpha-amino acid benzhydryl esters with diazomethane. The benzhydryl esters offer several beneficial features such as simple preparation, stability to methylation and selective deprotection under mild conditions. The overall procedure is highly efficient in that the adopted conditions keep the chiral integrity of amino acid precursors and the process does not require chromatographic purification of the methylated products.
Subject(s)
Peptides/chemical synthesis , Molecular Structure , Peptides/chemistryABSTRACT
A study of the methylation of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and derivatives with trimethylsilyldiazomethane is here reported. Trimethylsilyldiazomethane allows the chemo-specific methylation of the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids in high yields and purity. This method provides a practical route to N-methyl-alpha-amino acids avoiding the use of the more toxic and explosive diazomethane. This simple and safe methylation methodology of alpha-amino acids and derivatives is not limited to organic synthesis and involves the use of a commercially available reagent as well.
