Achieving chemoselectivity is a longstanding challenge in chemical synthesis. This
problem has been addressed using different approaches, but a definitive solution is
still pending. For instance, in peptide chemistry, particularly with amino acids containing
side chains functionalities with reactivity patterns similar to the main functional
groups, such as aspartic and glutamic acids, and lysine and ornithine, specific semi-permanent
protecting groups have been employed. The use of 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9-BBN-H)
as a transient protective group for the selective protection of α-amino acids, which
allows the chemoselective manipulation of the functional groups embedded in the side
chains of the molecule, is described.
Key words
α-amino acids - selective protection - 9-BBN-H - protecting groups - oxazaborolidinones