N-(Z- and Fmoc-α-aminoacyl)benzotriazoles have been prepared under mild reaction conditions utilizing N-Z- or Fmoc-protected α-amino acids containing unprotected functionalized side-chains (L-Trp, L-Tyr, L-Gln, L-Cys, L-Ser, L-Asn, L-Glu, L-Asp) as well as without functionality (Gly, L-Leu, L-Ileu). These compounds are obtained in high yields without using any chromatographic techniques, and can be stored at room temperature for longer durations.

N-(Z- and Fmoc-α-aminoacyl)benzotriazoles demonstrate the ability to undergo peptide-coupling reaction with free amino acids. Though, various synthetic routes are available in literature for the syntheses of functionalized peptides either in organic or aqueous media. These procedures mostly involve prior protection and subsequent deprotection of the functional groups present in the amino acid. Recently, we have developed the synthetic methodology for the preparation of functionalized di-, tri- and tetrapeptides utilizing N-(Z-and Fmoc-α-aminoacyl)benzotriazoles as peptide-coupling reagent with functionalized α-amino acids, in partially aqueous medium (CH₃CN/H₂O). Multi-functional di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides are obtained in high yields with total preservation of the original chirality as determined by NMR and HPLC analysis. This work has been carried out under the guidance of Prof. Alan. R. Katritzky and has been accepted for publication in “Synthesis”.