Improved solid-phase synthesis and study of arylopeptoids with conformation-directing side chains

The development of an improved methodology for iterative solid-phase synthesis of para- and meta-arylopeptoids (oligomeric N-substituted aminomethyl benzamides) using benzoyl chloride building blocks is described. This methodology has enabled the synthesis of arylopeptoids with tert-butyl and phenyl side chains, which allows for complete control over the amide conformation: the tert-butyl results in a 100% cis amide conformation while the phenyl side chain results in a 100% trans amide conformation. The method has furthermore enabled the first synthesis and preliminary conformational studies of arylopeptoids bearing (S)-N-(1-phenylethyl) side chains.