Microwave-assisted solution phase peptide synthesis in neat water

Abstract

An environmentally benign protocol for solution phase peptide synthesis has been developed in neat water using TBTU/HOBt/DIEA as a coupling combination under microwave irradiation. Key features of this procedure are the replacement of commonly used toxic organic solvents like DMF and NMP, the use of lower amounts of reactants, compatibility with both N-α-Boc- and N-α-Fmoc-protected amino acids and all commonly used side-chain protective groups, short reaction time, and racemization-free synthesis in high yield and purity.