Catalytic, One-Pot Synthesis of β-Amino Acids from α-Amino Acids. Preparation of α,β-Peptide Derivatives

The one-pot conversion of readily available beta-amino acid into beta-amino acid derivatives was carried out in good yields. The method is a sequential process initiated by a tandem radical decarboxylation-oxidation reaction the resulting acyliminium ion was trapped by silyl ketenes. Stoichiometric and catalytic versions of this reaction were developed and then applied to prepare. modified di- and tripeptides. Interestingly, some tripeptides formed expanded beta-turns in the solid state.