Chemoselective O-methylation of N-acylated/sulfonylated tyrosine derivatives

Methyl ethers (6a and 6b) of N-trifluoroacetyl- and N-(m-trifluoromethyl) phenylsulfonyl-6-nitro-tyrosine t-butyl ester were readily prepared by modified Mitsunobu reaction (DPPE, DIAD, MeOH). Williamson (MeI, K2CO3 or Li2CO3 or NaOH under phase transfer) and classical Mitsunobu conditions (PPh3, DEAD, MeOH) gave O,N-dimethylated derivatives (7a and 7b) as side or main products. O- versus N-selectivity in tyrosine methylation reactions depends on both pKa values and steric factors.