Peptide Bond Formation via Anhydride Exchange‐Mediated In Situ Generation of N‐Methylimidazolium Cation

European Journal of Organic Chemistry 2026

View at publisher
Authors: Chenchen Qi, L Liu, Xiangsheng Xu, Xiaoqing Li
DOI: 10.1002/ejoc.70498
Cited by: 1
References: 28

Abstract

Herein, we report a method for peptide bond formation via anhydride exchange‐mediated in situ generation of N‐methylimidazolium cations using trimethylacetic anhydride (Piv 2 O) and catalytic N‐methylimidazole (NMI). It tolerates diverse amino acid side chains (e.g., −OH, indole NH) with no detectable racemization/epimerization even when dipeptides serve as electrophiles. Convergent synthesis of protected Leu‐enkephalin underscores its utility, expanding the toolbox for peptide bond formation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Chemical Synthesis and Analysis Catalytic Cross-Coupling Reactions Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis

Publication details

Journal / source
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
29
Issue
22
Publication date
8 May 2026
Language
EN