Synthesis and evaluation of phenylalanine-derived trifluoromethyl ketones for peptide-based oxidation catalysis.

We report the synthesis of phenylalanine-derived trifluoromethyl ketones for the in situ generation of dioxiranes for the purpose of oxidation catalysis. The key features of this synthesis include the use of a masked ketone strategy and a Negishi cross-coupling to access the parent amino acid. The derivatives can be readily incorporated into a peptide for use in oxidation chemistry and exhibit good stability and reactivity.