Free‐Radical‐Based, Specific Desulfurization of Cysteine: A Powerful Advance in the Synthesis of Polypeptides and Glycopolypeptides

Being specific: The specific conversion of Cys (seleno-Cys) into Ala by a free-radical-mediated reduction can be achieved in an aqueous medium under mild conditions (see scheme, PG=protecting group). The conversion can be achieved in the presence of all 20 natural amino acids as well as a range of functional groups. This native chemical ligation followed by the Cys into Ala conversion will enable the synthesis of complex peptides and glycopeptides. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z704195_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information…