L-α-Amino acids including L-α-arylglycines were conveniently and stereoselectively synthesized via the α-amino carbonitriles given by the Strecker reaction of (R)-2-amino-2-phenylethanol with aldehydes and hydrogen cyanide. The stereoselectivity of these α-amino carbonitriles was thermodynamically controlled.
The present invention provides a process comprising substitution of an acceptor molecule comprising a group —XC(O)— wherein X is O, S or NR
8
, where R
8
is C
1-6
alkyl, C
6-12
aryl or hydrogen, with a nucleophile, wherein the acceptor molecule is cyclised such that said nucleophilic substitution at —XC(O)— occurs without racemisation. This process has particular application for the production of a peptide by extension from the activated carboxy-terminus of an acyl amino acid residue without epimerisation.
A process comprising substitution of an acceptor molecule comprising a group —XC(O)— wherein X is O, S, or NR8, where R8 is C1-6 alkyl, C6-12 aryl or hydrogen, with a nucleophile, wherein the acceptor molecule is cyclised such that said nucleophilic substitution at —XC(O)— occurs without racemisation, is provided. This process has particular application for the production of a peptide by extension from the activated carboxy-terminus of an acyl amino acid residue without epimerisation.