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Rapid and efficient cyclization methods that form structurally novel peptidic macrocycles are of high importance for medicinal chemistry. Herein, we report the first gold(I)-catalyzed macrocyclization of peptide-EBXs (ethynylbenziodoxolones) via C2-Trp C–H activation. This reaction was carried out in the presence of protecting group free peptide sequences and is enabled by a simple commercial gold catalyst (AuCl·Me2S). The method displayed a rapid reaction rate (within 10 min), wide functional group tolerance (27 unprotected peptides were cyclized), and up to 86% isolated yield. The obtained highly conjugated cyclic peptide linker, formed through C–H alkynylation, can be directly applied to live-cell imaging as a fluorescent probe without further attachment of fluorophores.
Dominique Bonvin, Diogo Filipe Mateus Rodrigues
Urs von Gunten, Minju Lee, Peter Rudolf Tentscher
Robin Tobias Andreas Mutschler