In this paper, a new disulfide-forming agent based on the finding that alkoxy 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenates (Npys-OR) can oxidize thiol groups is reported. Methyl 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenate (Npys-OMe), which is easily prepared from 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl chloride in a one-step reaction and has a reduction peak potential (Epc ) of -0.541 V versus Ag/AgCl, produces the cyclic nonapeptide oxytocin from its linear form in good yield (92 %) with minimal oligomer formation. Npys-OMe in the solid phase also demonstrated excellent results in oxytocin synthesis. Other disulfide-containing peptides, such as α-human atrial natriuretic peptide and α-conotoxin ImI, were also successfully synthesized. During these syntheses, no side reactions of methionine (Met) and tryptophan (Trp) residues or the S-acetamidomethyl (Acm) protecting group were detected. These results suggested that Npys-OMe or its solid-phase analog provides a new strategy for regioselective disulfide bond formation to assist the synthesis of complex disulfide-rich peptides.
Keywords: 3-nitro-2-pyridinesulfenyl; disulfide bond formation; oxidation; peptides; solid-phase synthesis.
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