10.1016/j.tetlet.2011.08.017
The study focuses on the development of an atom-efficient synthetic strategy for incorporating L-glutamine (L-Gln) into peptides during solution-phase synthesis. L-Gln is challenging to incorporate due to poor solubility and side reactions such as dehydration. The researchers propose using Na-Cbz-β-cyanomethyl-L-Ala (β-cyanomethyl-L-Ala) as a soluble and atom-efficient synthon for L-Gln. This synthon is stable under various conditions used in peptide synthesis and can be quantitatively hydrated to regenerate L-Gln within a peptide sequence. Key chemicals used include Cbz-L-Gln, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), pyridine, hydrogen peroxide, and various protecting groups like Boc and OBut. These chemicals serve to dehydrate L-Gln to form the nitrile, protect and deprotect functional groups during synthesis, and facilitate peptide coupling reactions. The study demonstrates the utility of β-cyanomethyl-L-Ala in several peptide synthesis examples, showing its potential as a useful and efficient alternative for L-Gln incorporation in peptides.