Synthesis 2014; 46(04): 515-521
DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1340462
paper
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

An Efficient Synthesis of 4(5)-Benzyl-l-histidines Employing Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis at Elevated Temperatures

D. David Smith*
a   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA   Fax: +1(402)2802690   Email: dsmith@creighton.edu
,
Audrey T. Gallagher
b   Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
,
Vincent M. Crowley
b   Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
,
Wayne M. Gergens
b   Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
,
Peter W. Abel
c   Department of Pharmacology, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
,
Martin Hulce
b   Department of Chemistry, Creighton University, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 15 October 2013

Accepted after revision: 21 November 2013

Publication Date:
10 December 2013 (online)


Abstract

An efficient two-step synthesis of 4(5)-benzyl-l-histidine from l-histidine was developed. A Pictet–Spengler reaction between l-histidine and benzaldehyde in the presence of excess strong base yielded 4-l-phenylspinacine within one hour. Catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis in methanol at reflux using ammonium formate rapidly converted 4-l-phenylspinacine to 4(5)-benzyl-l-histidine within five minutes. No racemization of the final product 4(5)-benzyl-l-histidine was observed using the Marfey reagent. To show the utility of this method, a series of fluorinated benzylhistidines were prepared.

Supporting Information