Solution-phase automated synthesis of tripeptide derivatives

An improved general method for automated synthesis of tripeptides was developed, in which methanesulfonic acid (MSA) was used in place of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), thus making it possible to avoid, 1) corrosion of the apparatus by strong acid vapor, 2) formation of emulsions, and 3) use of the restricted solvent, dichloromethane. As an application of the automated synthesis apparatus, 216 fragment tripeptide derivatives were synthesized systematically using the MSA method, in excellent yield and with increased efficiency.