Tandem deprotection-dimerization-macrocyclization route to C₂ symmetric cyclo-tetrapeptides

Dimerization-macrocyclization has been a long-standing problem in the cyclization of peptides since, together with the desired cyclic product, many cyclic oligomers and linear polymers may also be formed during the reaction. Therefore, the development of a process that affords the cyclic dimer predominantly is difficult. A novel and versatile strategy for the synthesis of symmetric cyclo-tetrapeptides by palladium-promoted tandem deprotection/cyclo- dimerization from readily available Cbz-dipeptidoyl benzotriazolides is reported (Cbz=carboxybenzyl).