Synthesis of 1,5-benzothiazepine dipeptide mimetics via two CuI-catalyzed cross coupling reactions.

CuI-catalyzed coupling of 4-methylphenyl bromide with amino acids gives N-aryl amino acids, which are converted into linear dipeptides via iodination and condensation with L-cysteine derived acyl chloride. Cyclization is achieved via a CuI/N,N-dimethylglycine catalyzed intramolecular coupling of aryl iodides with the liberated thiol to afford 1,5-benzothiazepine dipeptide mimetics.