Biocompatible Photoinduced Alkylation of Dehydroalanine for the Synthesis of Unnatural α-Amino Acids.

A site-selective alkylation of dehydroalanine to access protected unnatural amino acids is described. The protocol is characterized by the wide nature of alkyl radicals employed, mild conditions, and functional group compatibility. This protocol is further extended to access peptides, late-stage functionalization of pharmaceuticals, and enantioenriched amino acids.