Co-Catalyzed C(sp³)-H Oxidative Coupling of Glycine and Peptide Derivatives

Cobalt-catalyzed selective α-alkylation and α-heteroarylation processes of α-amino esters and peptide derivatives are described. These cross-dehydrogenative reactions occur under mild conditions and allow for the rapid assembly of structurally diverse α-amino carbonyl compounds. Unlike enolate chemistry, these methods are distinguished by their site-specificity, occur without racemization of the existing chiral centers, and exhibit total selectivity for aryl glycine motifs over other amino acid units, hence providing ample opportunities for peptide modifications.