Peptide Synthesis via Oxidative Activation of Acid Hydrazides

A new method for the synthesis of peptides has been developed based on the oxidative activation of N-acyl-α-amino acid or peptide hydrazides. The method is simple, rapid and gives yields which compare favorably with and occasionally exceed those found with methods in current use. It was found to give little racemization and accordingly, could be applied to the synthesis of peptides containing side chains which are not sensitive to the oxidative conditions employed. Oxidation of a tripeptide hydrazide led to the synthesis of a poly-α-amino-acid with a known sequence.