Oxidation/Alkylation of Amino Acids with α-Bromo Carbonyls Catalyzed by Copper and Quick Access to HDAC Inhibitor

J Org Chem. 2023 Dec 15;88(24):17398-17408. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02218. Epub 2023 Dec 1.

Abstract

A facile and efficient method was reported for Cu-catalyzed selective α-alkylation processes of amino acids/peptides and α-bromo esters/ketones through a radical-radical coupling pathway. The reaction displays an excellent functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope, allowing access to desired products in moderate to excellent yields. Notably, this method is distinguished by site-specificity and exhibits total selectivity for aryl glycine motifs over other amino acid units. Furthermore, the practicality of this strategy is certified by the efficient synthesis of the novel SAHA phenylalanine-containing analogue (SPACA).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkylation
  • Amino Acids* / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Copper* / chemistry
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Phenylalanine

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Copper
  • Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
  • Phenylalanine