Synthesis of a carboxylate functionalized bis-amino acid monomer

The synthesis of the first functionalized bis-amino acid monomer proAc(2S3S4R) 1 that carries an acetyl side chain is presented. This monomer was incorporated into oligomer 3 and the solution phase structure was determined by using two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance. The solution structure confirmed the intended connectivity and stereochemistry of the oligomer. This first functionalized bis-amino acid represents a milestone toward functionalized bis-peptide nanostructures for catalytic, molecular recognition, and nanotechnology applications.