@-Tides have been shown to have the same characteristics as a peptide in the β-strand
conformation and to have the ability to self-associate into dimeric β-sheets. Aza-cyclohexaenaminones,
obtained by condensation of a protected azacyclohexa-3,5-dione and amino acid esters,
are the key building-blocks in the synthesis of @-tides. An improved three-step synthetic
sequence to these enaminones has been developed that takes advantage of microwave-assisted
chemistry in two of the steps to enhance the reaction rates. It was also found that
the enaminone building blocks can be obtained by direct condensation of the aza-cyclohexa-3,5-dione
with amino acid esters, without prior activation of the diketone. Multivariate design
was used to optimize this microwave-assisted condensation, resulting in a short reaction
time (300 s) and high yields (67-94%).
enaminones - β-strand mimetics - microwave-assisted synthesis - multivariate design
- optimization