Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Constructing Thioether/Vinyl Sulfide-tethered Helical Peptides Via Photo-induced Thiol-ene/yne Hydrothiolation
Published on: August 1, 2018
Azo cyclization: peptide cyclization via azo bridge formation
1Department of Organic Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
A novel azo cyclization method efficiently creates cyclic peptides in solution. This facile technique yields pure products, expanding peptide synthesis options.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Peptide Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Peptide cyclization is crucial for drug development and biological studies.
- Existing cyclization methods can be complex and yield-limited.
- Novel, efficient cyclization strategies are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new method for peptide cyclization in solution using azo bridge formation.
- To demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of this novel azo cyclization technique.
- To synthesize and characterize new cyclic azo peptides.
Main Methods:
- Linear peptide precursors containing para-amino-phenylalanine (Pap) and tyrosine or histidine residues were synthesized.
- Diazotization of Pap residues in acidic media.
- Intramolecular azo cyclization in mild basic media to form the cyclic peptide.
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of 10 new cyclic azo peptides.
- High yields and purity of the synthesized cyclic peptides.
- Demonstration of the method's applicability to various peptide sequences.
Conclusions:
- Azo cyclization is a facile and efficient new method for peptide cyclization in solution.
- This method offers a valuable addition to the peptide synthesis toolbox.
- The synthesized cyclic azo peptides may have potential applications in various fields.
Related Concept Videos
Peptide Bonds
Preparation of Amides
The DCC-promoted synthesis of amides begins with the protonation of DCC by carboxylic acid. The protonation makes it a better acceptor. Next, the addition of carboxylate to the protonated carbodiimide gives a reactive acylating agent.
Subsequently, the amine acts as a nucleophile that attacks the acylating agent to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the...
Preparation of 1° Amines: Azide Synthesis
Azide ions act as good nucleophiles and react with unhindered alkyl halides to form alkyl azides. Alkyl azides do not participate in further nucleophilic substitution reactions, thereby eliminating the chances of polyalkylated products. Alkyl azides are reduced by hydride-based reducing agents, like lithium aluminum...
Preparation of 1° Amines: Hofmann and Curtius Rearrangement Overview
Aryldiazonium Salts to Azo Dyes: Diazo Coupling
Preparation of 1° Amines: Hofmann and Curtius Rearrangement Mechanism

