Trifluoromethylthiolation of Tryptophan and Tyrosine Derivatives: A Tool for Enhancing the Local Hydrophobicity of Peptides

J Org Chem. 2023 Sep 15;88(18):13169-13177. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01373. Epub 2023 Sep 6.

Abstract

The incorporation of fluorinated groups into peptides significantly affects their biophysical properties. We report herein the synthesis of Fmoc-protected trifluoromethylthiolated tyrosine (CF3S-Tyr) and tryptophan (CF3S-Trp) analogues on a gram scale (77-93% yield) and demonstrate their use as highly hydrophobic fluorinated building blocks for peptide chemistry. The developed methodology was successfully applied to the late-stage regioselective trifluoromethylthiolation of Trp residues in short peptides (66-80% yield) and the synthesis of various CF3S-analogues of biologically active monoamines. To prove the concept, Fmoc-(CF3S)Tyr and -Trp were incorporated into the endomorphin-1 chain (EM-1) and into model tripeptides by solid-phase peptide synthesis. A remarkable enhancement of the local hydrophobicity of the trifluoromethylthiolated peptides was quantified by the chromatographic hydrophobicity index determination method, demonstrating the high potential of CF3S-containing amino acids for the rational design of bioactive peptides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines
  • Amino Acids
  • Peptides
  • Tryptophan*
  • Tyrosine*

Substances

  • Tryptophan
  • Tyrosine
  • Amino Acids
  • Peptides
  • Amines