Protected Amino Acids in Peptide Synthesis

Abstract

Modern peptide synthesis is predominantly concerned with synthesis of biologically active peptides and studies on peptide conformation. For these purposes suitably protected amino acids are needed. Temporary protection of the α-amino group of one component and of the α-carboxyl group of the other component permits directed coupling to produce the desired sequence and eliminates the dipolar character of the starting zwitterionic amino acids. Side-chain functional groups also frequently need protection. Although a large number of novel protective groups have been developed during the past 20 years, the main methods of peptide bond formation for use in routine synthesis have largely remained unchanged.