Solid-Phase Synthesis of Peptides Containing α,β-Didehydroamino Acids

Abstract

α,β-Didehydroamino acids are frequently encountered in natural peptides with important biological activity. Herein, we report a mild and convenient method for the preparation of peptides containing α,β-didehydroamino acids, where solid-phase techniques are used both for elongation of the peptide chain and formation of the double bond. This bond is formed through a β-elimination reaction, using a water soluble carbodiimide as the activating reagent of the hydroxyl function, and catalyzed by CuCl.