Rapid microwave-assisted deprotection of N-Cbz and N-Bn derivatives

Catalytic-transfer hydrogenation in ifo-propanol under microwave irradiation has been performed to rapidly deprotect N-Cbz and N-Bn derivatives. The method is particularly suitable for the synthesis of short peptides and can also be carried out on supported molecules. The rapid cleavage of chiral molecules derived from (S)-1-phenylethylamine can be very useful for asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen containing compounds. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.