E-1,2-Dichlorovinyl ethers as irreversible protease inhibitors

The synthesis of a novel motif for threonine protease inhibition is described. The desired E-1,2-dichlorovinyl ethers are obtained from alcohols and trichloroethylene as single diastereomers. Aqueous treatment at pH 11 unmasks the hidden α-chloroacetate, which is required for the reaction with the active site of the protease.