Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Controlled Photoredox Ring-Opening Polymerization of O-Carboxyanhydrides Mediated by Ni/Zn Complexes
Published on: November 21, 2017
Synthesis of polypeptides by ring-opening polymerization of α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides
Jianjun Cheng1, Timothy J Deming
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Champaign, IL 61801, USA.
Abstract:
This chapter summarizes methods for the synthesis of polypeptides by ring-opening polymerization. Traditional and recently improved methods used to polymerize α-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) for the synthesis of homopolypeptides are described. Use of these methods and strategies for the preparation of block copolypeptides and side-chain-functionalized polypeptides are also presented, as well as an analysis of the synthetic scope of different approaches. Finally, issues relating to obtaining highly functional polypeptides in pure form are detailed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
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...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Amines to Amides: Acylation of Amines
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary amide...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)
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: Gabriel Synthesis
Strong bases like NaOH or KOH deprotonate the phthalimide to form the corresponding anion, which acts as a nucleophile. Further, the anion attacks an...

