The synthesis of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids and peptides is often limited by the need to couple sterically hindered substrates. Now, copper-catalysed dehydrogenative coupling of α-amino acid Schiff bases and hydrocarbon feedstocks has been developed. Application of this method to peptides enables the incorporation of sterically hindered α-amino acid motifs, which impart a stabilizing helical effect on the peptide structure.
- Taro Tsuji
- Kayoko Hashiguchi
- Takashi Ohshima
