Amir O. Yusuf
Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya
Bhalendu M. Bhatt
Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya
Peter M. Gitu
Department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Isotocin, a nonapeptide amide, was synthesised on a benzhydryl-resin using the Boc-strategy. Benzyl group was used in the protection of the side-chains of tyrosine, serine and cysteine. Tetralinyl group was used to protect asparagine side-chain. TFMSA-TFA-thioanisole-1,2-ethanedithiol (2:20:2:1 v/v) was used on the peptide-resin under different cleavage conditions to obtain isotocin in a one-pot reaction. The cleavage at 40 ° C for two hours gave isotocin quantitatively. Isotocin could be isolated in 61% yield.
(Received February 13, 2001; revised August 31, 2001)
Bull.Chem.Soc.Ethiop. 2001, 15(2), 143-150