C-H Functionalization of Peptides via Cyclic Aminal Intermediates

Synthesis of HC-Toxin via Matteson Homologation and C-H Functionalization

A new synthetic route toward host-specific HC-toxin was developed. The HC-toxin belongs to a group of cyclic, tetrapeptide histone deacetylase inhibitors containing the unusual amino acid Aeo. Key steps in the synthesis of this building block include the Matteson homologation to generate the stereogenic centers in the side chain and a C-H functionalization to connect the side chain to a protected alanine.

Total synthesis and biological evaluation of histone deacetylase inhibitor WF-3161

A novel synthesis of the naturally occurring HDAC inhibitor WF-3161 is described. Key steps include the Matteson homologation to generate the stereogenic centres in the side chain, and Pd-catalysed C-H functionalisation to connect the side chain to the peptide backbone. WF-3161 was found to be highly selective for HDAC1, whereas no activity was observed towards HDAC6. High activity was also found against the cancer cell line HL-60.