Methionine and Buthionine Sulfoximines: Syntheses under Mild and Safe Imidation/Oxidation Conditions

Methionine and buthionine sulfoximines (MSO and BSO) are non-natural amino acids known to inhibit the biosynthesis of glutathione (GSH). The current syntheses of these biologically active molecules involve harsh reaction conditions and the use of hazardous reagents for the sulfur imidation. Here, improved syntheses of MSO and BSO are presented including safe and mild one-pot imidation/oxidation sequences and single-step deprotections of three different functionalities.