Total synthesis of the COPD biomarker desmosine via Sonogashira and Negishi cross-coupling reactions

Desmosine, a crosslinking pyridinium amino acid of elastin, is an attractive biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In this study, the total synthesis of (+)-desmosine is reported utilizing chemo- and regioselective Sonogashira and Negishi cross-coupling reactions in 15% yield over six steps.