Unprotected Amino Acids Research Articles

Oxidative Deselenization of Selenocysteine: Applications for Programmed Ligation at Serine

AbstractDespite the unique chemical properties of selenocysteine (Sec), ligation at Sec is an under‐utilized methodology for protein synthesis. We describe herein an unprecedented protocol for the conversion of Sec to serine (Ser) in a single, high‐yielding step. When coupled with ligation at Sec, this transformation provides a new approach to programmed ligations at Ser residues. This new reaction is compatible with a wide range of functionality, including the presence of unprotected amino acid side chains and appended glycans. The utility of the methodology is demonstrated in the rapid synthesis of complex glycopeptide fragments of the epithelial glycoproteins MUC5AC and MUC4 and through the total synthesis of the structured, cysteine (Cys)‐free protein eglin C.

Simple preparation of new [(18) F]F-labeled synthetic amino acid derivatives with two click reactions in one-pot and SPE purification.

New [(18) F]fluorinated 1,2,3-triazolyl amino acid derivatives were efficiently prepared from Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions, well known as click reaction. We developed two simultaneous click reactions in one-pot with a simple solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification method. [(18) F]fluoro-1-propyne was obtained at a 45% non-decay corrected radiochemical yield based on the [(18) F]fluoride ion. The one-pot and simultaneous two click reactions were performed with unprotected azido-alkyl amino acid, [(18) F]fluoro-1-propyne, and lipophilic additive alkyne to produce three synthetic amino acid derivatives, AMC-101 ([(18) F]-6a), AMC-102 ([(18) F]-6b), and AMC-103 ([(18) F]-6c) with 29%, 28%, and 24% of non-decay corrected radiochemical yields, respectively. All radiotracers indicated that radiochemical purities were >95% without any residual organic solvent. Our new method involving two click reactions in one-pot showed high radiochemical and chemical purity by easy removal of the residual precursor from the simultaneous two click reactions.

ChemInform Abstract: Rapid, Scalable Assembly of Stereochemically Rich, Mono‐ and Bicyclic Acyl Sultams.

A one-pot, sequential protocol is reported that involves complementary ambiphile pairing (CAP) of a vinyl sulfonamide with a variety of unprotected amino acids via aza-Michael addition and subsequent intramolecular amidation. The method generates diverse, sp3-rich mono- and bicyclic acyl sultams in a highly scalable manner. Modular pairing of stereochemically rich building blocks allows quick access to all possible isomers. Extension to include one-pot, sequential 3-, 4-, and 5-multicomponent protocols is also discussed.

Preparation of One-Carbon Homologated Amides from Aldehydes or Primary Alcohols

Aldehydes and primary alcohols can be converted to one-carbon homologated primary, secondary, or tertiary amides in two operational steps. The approach offers several unique features including compatibility with (hetero)aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, and racemizable chiral substrates, the ability to prepare Weinreb amides from aryl and unhindered aliphatic substrates, and the opportunity to employ unprotected amino acids as amine sources in the amidation step.

Rapid, scalable assembly of stereochemically rich, mono- and bicyclic acyl sultams.

A one-pot, sequential protocol is reported that involves complementary ambiphile pairing (CAP) of a vinyl sulfonamide with a variety of unprotected amino acids via aza-Michael addition and subsequent intramolecular amidation. The method generates diverse, sp(3)-rich mono- and bicyclic acyl sultams in a highly scalable manner. Modular pairing of stereochemically rich building blocks allows quick access to all possible isomers. Extension to include one-pot, sequential 3-, 4-, and 5-multicomponent protocols is also discussed.

L -Amino Acid Ligase from Pseudomonas syringae Producing Tabtoxin Can Be Used for Enzymatic Synthesis of Various Functional Peptides

Functional peptides are expected to be beneficial compounds that improve our quality of life. To address the growing need for functional peptides, we have examined peptide synthesis by using microbial enzymes. l-Amino acid ligase (Lal) catalyzes the condensation of unprotected amino acids in an ATP-dependent manner and is applicable to fermentative production. Hence, Lal is a promising enzyme to achieve cost-effective synthesis. To obtain a Lal with novel substrate specificity, we focused on the putative Lal involved in the biosynthesis of the dipeptidic phytotoxin designated tabtoxin. The tabS gene was cloned from Pseudomonas syringae NBRC14081 and overexpressed in Escherichia coli cells. The recombinant TabS protein produced showed the broadest substrate specificity of any known Lal; it detected 136 of 231 combinations of amino acid substrates when dipeptide synthesis was examined. In addition, some new substrate specificities were identified and unusual amino acids, e.g., l-pipecolic acid, hydroxy-l-proline, and β-alanine, were found to be acceptable substrates. Furthermore, kinetic analysis and monitoring of the reactions over a short time revealed that TabS showed distinct substrate selectivity at the N and C termini, which made it possible to specifically synthesize a peptide without by-products such as homopeptides and heteropeptides with the reverse sequence. TabS specifically synthesized the following functional peptides, including their precursors: l-arginyl-l-phenylalanine (antihypertensive effect; yield, 62%), l-leucyl-l-isoleucine (antidepressive effect; yield, 77%), l-glutaminyl-l-tryptophan (precursor of l-glutamyl-l-tryptophan, which has antiangiogenic activity; yield, 54%), l-leucyl-l-serine (enhances saltiness; yield, 83%), and l-glutaminyl-l-threonine (precursor of l-glutamyl-l-threonine, which enhances saltiness; yield, 96%). Furthermore, our results also provide new insights into tabtoxin biosynthesis.

ChemInform Abstract: Pd(II)‐Catalyzed Regio‐, Enantio‐, and Diastereoselective 1,4‐Addition of Azlactones Formed in situ from Racemic Unprotected Amino Acids and Acetic Anhydride.

AbstractCatalyst (I) efficiently promotes the regio‐, enantio‐, and diastereoselective 1,4‐addition of azlactones [cf.

Racemization‐Free Chemoenzymatic Peptide Synthesis Enabled by the Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Peptide Enol Esters via Alkyne‐Addition and Subsequent Conversion Using Alcalase‐Cross‐Linked Enzyme Aggregates

AbstractThe C‐terminal activation of peptides as prerequisite for the formation or ligation of peptide fragments is often associated with the problem of epimerization. We report that ruthenium‐catalyzed alkyne addition with (+)‐2,3‐O‐isopropylidene‐2,3‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane as ligand allows the racemization‐free synthesis of peptide enol esters tolerating a wide range of functional groups. The transformation can be performed in a variety of different solvents addressing the solubility issues imposed by peptides with varying amino acid side chain patterns. We show that peptide enol esters with an amide motif in the enol moiety are excellent acyl donors for the peptide condensation with other peptide fragments in organic solvents using serine endopeptidase subtilisin A as catalyst. The reported combination of transition metal catalysis with enzymatic peptide ligations adds an important tool for the racemization‐free synthesis and ligation of peptides which is compatible even with unprotected amino acid side chains.

Development of Unprotected Syntheses in Aqueous Media

Introduction of carbon side chain at C(3)-position of indole ring was accomplished by using Pd-catalyzed allylation and vinylation. The selective vinylation at C(3)-position of 4-bromoindole was applied to the synthesis of optically active 4-bromotryptophan derivatives, which was used as a starting material for the synthesis of several optically active ergot alkaloids, which were clavicipitic acids, chanoclavine-I, costacalvine, and 1,1-dimethylallyltryptophan (DMAT). The three-step synthesis of optically active clavicipitic acids were accomplished without using a protecting group starting from 4-bromoindole and dl-serine. Some new synthetic reactions using unprotected amino acids were developed. Those were the biomimetic synthesis of tryptophan, the bromination of free aromatic amino acids, and the Pd-catalyzed N-allylation of free amino acids with allylic alcohol in aqueous media. Unique reactivity of π-allyl palladium complex or η3-(benzyl)palladium complex in aqueous media was found through Pd-catalyzed reaction of anthranilic acid, 2-aminobenzamide, and indole with allylic alcohols or benzyl alcohols, respectively.

Synthesis and Reactivity of N-Alkyl Carbamoylimidazoles: Development of N-Methyl Carbamoylimidazole as a Methyl Isocyanate Equivalent

A high-yielding synthesis of N-methyl carbamoylimidazole from 1,1-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) and MeNH(3)Cl is described. The product is a crystalline, readily storable, water-stable compound that reacts as a methyl isocyanate (MIC) substitute. Reaction of N-methyl carbamoylimidazole in the presence of a base such as triethylamine occurs with nucleophiles such as amines, protected and unprotected amino acids, thiols and alcohols. The product N-methylureas, carbamates and thiocarbamates are obtained in good to excellent yields, with reactions occurring in either organic solvents or water. The protocol for the synthesis of N-methyl carbamoylimidazole is both scalable and general, occurring in quantitative yield at scales ranging from 300 mg to 20 g. The success of this method relies upon the reaction of CDI with the ammonium salt rather than the free amine, resulting in a significant improvement in the yield of N-methyl carbamoylimidazole. The reaction presumably involves a proton transfer from MeNH(3)Cl to the CDI, which results in the release of MeNH(2) with simultaneous activation of the CDI as its protonated form. Other primary ammonium hydrochloride salts, including protected α-amino acid salts, give excellent yields of the corresponding N-alkyl carbamoylimidazoles and serve as alkyl isocyanate surrogates. The resultant N-alkyl carbamoylimidazoles can be converted to ureas in high yields without the formation of intermediary isocyanates.

Rapid microwave-assisted solution-phase peptide synthesis

Rapid microwave-assisted solution-phase peptide synthesis protocol has been developed. The reaction temperature of 50°C, 40W and short coupling time of 28min gave racemization-free synthesis of peptides in 50–80% yield. The method is applicable with equal ease in coupling both side-chain protected and unprotected amino acids indicating reactive-functional group tolerance and high atom-economy. In the case of dipeptides, DIC/HONB-mediated coupling rendered the best results. In the case of tri- and tetrapeptides, HATU/HOAt/DIEA emerged as the best coupling combination.

ChemInform Abstract: Microwave‐Assisted SNAr Reaction of 2,4,6‐Trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine for the Rapid Synthesis of C3‐Symmetrical Polycarboxylate Ligands.

Abstract The microwave-assisted S N Ar reaction of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine with various unprotected amino acids was developed for the synthesis of C 3 -symmetrical polycarboxylate ligands which can be used as structural directing units in metal–organic frameworks. The reactions were performed in water using a domestic microwave oven as the heating device. In comparison to the reactions performed under conventional heating, the reactions under microwave irradiation proceeded much more rapidly within 20 min to afford the desired ligands in comparative yields to those obtained by conventional heating.

ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic α‐Allylation of Unprotected Amino Acid Esters.

Abstractα‐Quaternary α‐allylated amino acid esters are obtained by catalytic allylation reaction of racemic amino acid salts.

Facile Synthesis of Lipophilic δ-Amino Acid Conjugates from 4-Alkoxy-dithionaphthoic Acids

Novel 4-alkoxy-dithionaphthoic acids were prepared and shown to be valuable synthons for δ-amino acid conjugates. These dithioacids are efficiently synthesized and purified, stable to storage, and easily derivatized to facilitate thioacylation chemistry. To this end, we have demonstrated dithionaphthoic acids (6) to successfully undergo coupling with both protected and unprotected amino acids, giving rise to stable thioamide conjugates (8 and 9).

Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Functionalized α,α‐Disubstituted α‐Amino Acid Derivatives from Racemic Unprotected α‐Amino Acids via in‐situ Generated Azlactones

AbstractMasked and activated highly enantioenriched α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino acids with an additional adjacent stereocenter were formed by a tandem reaction involving five steps using racemic unprotected amino acid substrates. Key step is the 1,4‐addition of in‐situ generated azlactones to a broad number of enones. The products of this step‐economic route can, e.g., be useful for a divergent and rapid access to biologically interesting unnatural glutamic acid derivatives.

Microwave-assisted SNAr reaction of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine for the rapid synthesis of C3-symmetrical polycarboxylate ligands

The microwave-assisted SNAr reaction of 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine with various unprotected amino acids was developed for the synthesis of C3-symmetrical polycarboxylate ligands which can be used as structural directing units in metal–organic frameworks. The reactions were performed in water using a domestic microwave oven as the heating device. In comparison to the reactions performed under conventional heating, the reactions under microwave irradiation proceeded much more rapidly within 20min to afford the desired ligands in comparative yields to those obtained by conventional heating.

Catalytic α-Allylation of Unprotected Amino Acid Esters

Catalytic α-allylation of unprotected amino acid esters to produce α-quaternary α-allyl amino acid esters is reported. Catalytic loadings of picolinaldehyde and Ni(II) salts induce preferential reactivity at the enolizable α-carbon of amino acid esters over the free nitrogen with electrophilic palladium π-allyl complexes. Fourteen examples are given. Additionally, the use of chiral ligands to access enantioenriched α-quaternary amino acid esters from racemic precursors is demonstrated by the enantioselective synthesis of α-allyl phenylalanine methyl ester from racemic phenylalanine methyl ester.

Aziridine-Mediated Ligation and Site-Specific Modification of Unprotected Peptides

A synthesis of aziridine-containing peptides via the Cu(II)-promoted coupling of unprotected peptide thioacids and N-H aziridine-2-carbonyl peptides is reported. The unique reactivity of the resulting N-acylated aziridine-2-carbonyl peptides facilitates their subsequent regioselective and stereoselective nucleophilic ring-opening to give unprotected peptides that are specifically modified at the ligation site. The aziridine-mediated peptide ligation concept is exemplified using H(2)O as the nucleophile, producing a Xaa-Thr linkage (where Xaa can be an epimerizable and hindered amino acid). The overall process is compatible with a variety of unprotected amino acid functionality, most notably the N-terminal and Lys side chain amines.

Efficient Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Ionic Esterified Amino Acids

In this work, an efficient microwave-assisted methodology for the esterification of unprotected α-amino acids is described. Ionic esterified amino acids were synthesized in satisfactory yields in a facile one-pot solventless protocol from unprotected amino acids and alcohols under acid catalysis (MsOH or p-TsOH) to afford the pure products after a simple work-up procedure. This procedure can also be extended to the preparation of long and short chain alkyl and benzyl esters.

Synthesis of New Peptidyl- and Glycosylpyrimidine Derivatives

A new series of 2- N-(phthalyl- or tosylamino acid)pyrimidines have been synthesised from the coupling of pyrimidine derivatives with phthalyl- or tosylamino acids. Hydrazinolysis of 2- N-phthalyl derivatives afforded unprotected amino acid derivatives. New derivatives of peptidylpyrimidines have been synthesised from the reaction of pyrimidine derivatives with α-amino acids methyl ester hydrochloride viz different routes. Also, new glycosides have been prepared from the reaction of pyrimidine derivatives with α-D-glucopyranosyl bromide. Most of the synthesised compounds showed a significant antimicrobial activity.