Solid-phase synthesis of azidomethylene inhibitors targeting cysteine proteases

An efficient strategy for the solid-phase synthesis of azidomethylene inhibitors targeting cysteine proteases is described. The method is highlighted by its compatibility with readily available building blocks, as well as its ability to accommodate different functional groups. A 249-member library has thus far been successfully synthesized, characterized, and screened against Caspase-1, -3 and -7.