Mimics of the alanine–leucine dipeptide are found in a variety of protease inhibitors, such as inhibitors of beta-secretase, an enzyme targeted as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease.  As part of our program to develop silanediol-based inhibitors of protease enzymes, we have developed efficient chemistry for assembly of the central silanediol inhibitors, starting with the readily available components prenyl amine, isoprene, and dichlorodiphenylsilane.