Microwave-assisted, zinc-mediated peptide coupling of N-benzyl-α,α-disubstituted amino acids

Incorporation of the extremely hindered amino acid N-benzylaminoisobutyric acid into dipeptides under microwave irradiation with commercial zinc dust is described. A comparative survey of various methodologies for hindered peptide couplings was undertaken. The optimised coupling conditions were free from racemisation and applicable to other hindered amino acids.