Investigation for the cyclization efficiency of linear tetrapeptides: Synthesis of tentoxin B and dihydrotentoxin

Investigation of the cyclization efficiency of N-methyl linear tetrapeptides using a molecular modeling study and chemical synthesis is described. The linear peptide with two N-methyl groups, MeAla-Leu-MePhe-Gly, forms γ-turn like conformation with the amine at N-terminus and the carbonyl at C-terminus in closer proximity to give the desired cyclic tetrapeptide, dihydrotentoxin. In addition, synthesis of tentoxin B by the combination of Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and cyclization in solution phase has been reported. An unusual amino acid, an L-N-methyl-β-hydroxyphenylalanine derivative, which was assembled on solid support, was prepared from ethyl cinnamate. Cyclic tetrapeptide formation and cleavage of benzyl ether were optimized with DIPCI/HOBt/DIPEA and Et₃SiH/Pd(OH)₂, respectively.