Thiazolidine-Protected β-Thiol Asparagine: Applications in One-Pot Ligation-Desulfurization Chemistry

The synthesis of a β-thiol asparagine derivative bearing a novel (2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)thiazolidine protecting group is described. The efficient incorporation of the amino acid into the N-termini of peptides is demonstrated as well as the utility of the β-thiol asparagine moiety for rapid ligation reactions with peptide thioesters. The streamlined synthesis of native peptide products could be accomplished using a one-pot radical desulfurization of the β-thiol auxiliary following the ligation event. The utility of the amino acid is highlighted in the efficient one-pot assembly of the HIV entry inhibitor enfuvirtide.