Synthesis of α-Amino Acid N-Carboxyanhydrides

A simple phosgene- and halogen-free method for synthesizing a-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) is described. The reaction between Boc-protected alpha-amino acids and T3P reagent gave the corresponding NCA derivatives in good yield and purity with no detectable epimerization. The process is safe, is easy-to-operate, and does not require any specific installation. It generates nontoxic, easy to remove byproducts. It can apply to the preparation of NCAs for the on-demand on-site production of either little or large quantities.

Automated summary

A simple method for synthesizing α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) without using phosgene and halogen is described. The process is safe, easy to operate, and does not require special installation, generating nontoxic, easy to remove byproducts. It is suitable for on-demand on-site production of NCAs in small or large quantities.