'One-pot' methylation of Fmoc amino acids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)02145-0

We report here a convenient method for the conversion of Fmoc amino acids to their N-methylated derivatives. The method involves reaction with formaldehyde and then reduction with triethylsilane (TES). The method is particularly attractive in that the alkylation and reduction are carried out in situ and the reaction sequence and purification of product can readily be carried out in one day. A further advantage is that the method is not restricted to α-amino acids.