alpha-Trialkylsilyl amino acids have been evaluated for their stability toward methanolysis as a model for physiological conditions. The juxtaposition of amine and carbonyl groups significantly destabilizes the silicon-carbon bond, but changing a single methyl on silicon to an ethyl led to a dramatic stability enhancement. Converting the ester to an amide gave an additional jump in stability, suggesting broad potential for these novel amino acids in bioactive peptides and pharmaceuticals.
alpha-Trialkylsilyl amino acids have been evaluated for their stability toward methanolysis as a model for physiological conditions. The juxtaposition of amine and carbonyl groups significantly destabilizes the silicon-carbon bond, but changing a single methyl on silicon to an ethyl led to a dramatic stability enhancement. Converting the ester to an amide gave an additional jump in stability, suggesting broad potential for these novel amino acids in bioactive peptides and pharmaceuticals.