Rapid generation of macrocycles with natural-product-like side chains by multiple multicomponent macrocyclizations (MiBs).

A small parallel library of peptoid macrocycles with natural-product-derived side chains of biological importance was produced by Ugi-type multiple multicomponent macrocyclizations including bifunctional building blocks (Ugi-MiBs). Diverse exocyclic elements of high relevance in natural recognition processes, i.e., all functional amino acid residues (e.g., Cys, Arg, His, Trp) and even sugar moieties, can be introduced in a one-pot process into different types of peptoid-containing macrocyclic skeletons. This is exemplified by the use of a diamine/diisocyanide combination of Ugi-MiBs and N-protected alpha-amino acids or carboxy-functionalized carbohydrates as source for the natural-product-like exocyclic elements. Employed as the acid components of the multiple Ugi reactions, they appear as N-amide substituents on the macrocyclic cores. The use of different diamines and diisocyanides allows an easy variation of the N- to C-directionality and therefore of the position of the exocyclic elements.