Solid-Phase Organic Synthesis in the Presence of Compressed Carbon Dioxide

Selective Labeling of Peptides with o-Carboranes via Manganese(I)-Catalyzed C-H Activation

A robust method for the selective labeling of peptides via manganese(I) catalysis was devised to achieve the C-2 alkenylation of tryptophan containing peptides with 1-ethynyl-o-carboranes. The manganese-catalyzed C-H activation was accomplished with high catalytic efficiency, and featured low toxicity, high functional group tolerance and excellent E-stereoselectivity. This approach unravels a promising tool for the assembly of o-carborane with structurally complex peptides of relevance to applications in boron neutron capture therapy.

Greener solvents for solid-phase organic synthesis

Solid-phase organic synthesis is an essential method for the rapid synthesis of complex biological structures and libraries of small organic molecules. However, it is often associated with the use of large quantities of problematic solvents for the removal of excess reagents and reaction by-products. Given that solvent will often be the biggest contributor to waste generated in the average pharmaceutical/fine-chemical process, its exchange for a more desirable alternative often presents the biggest gains in terms of reducing environmental impact. This review aims to explore recent approaches to performing solid-phase organic synthesis, and associated solid-phase peptide synthesis, in neoteric solvents and reaction media that present greener alternatives.