A Thiolactone Strategy for Straightforward Synthesis of Disulfide-Linked Side-Chain-to-Tail Cyclic Peptides Featuring an N-Terminal Modification Handle

The development of straightforward and versatile peptide cyclisation methods is highly desired to meet the demand for more stable peptide-based drugs. Herein, a new method for the synthesis of side-chain-to-tail cyclic peptides with the simultaneous introduction of an N-terminal handle, based on the introduction of an N-terminal thiolactone building block, is described. A primary amine liberates a homocysteine analogue from the thiolactone building block, which further enables cyclisation of the peptide through disulfide-bond formation with a C-terminal cysteamine. Postcyclisation modification can be achieved by using small bifunctional amines. Alternatively, the synthesis of lipopeptides is demonstrated through direct thiolactone opening with long-chain alkyl amines.