Synthetic Approach of Thermally Tunable Nature‐Mimetic Polypeptides from N‐Protected Alternating Peptoids

Abstract

AbstractA facile approach to synthesize nature‐mimetic polypeptides via the formation of N‐protected intermediates is developed. The approach is based on the use of stable and easily cleavable N‐(1‐p‐methoxyphenethyl) (MPE) group as a new N‐protecting group for an amide group. The MPE‐protected polypeptides are prepared in one‐pot via three‐component polycondensation using amino acid–free starting materials. Subsequent acidic treatment of the obtained polypeptides result in the perfect removal of MPE to give the nature‐mimetic polypeptides consisting of alternating peptide skeleton. The aqueous solutions of the nature‐mimetic polypeptides exhibit thermal responsivity depending on the structure of pendant functionalities.