D,L-3-ISOCYANO-N-BUTYRIC ACID METHYL ESTER - CAS 730964-86-0

Beauveriolides I and III, which are naturally occurring cyclodepsipeptides, have been reported to bind to sterol O-acyltransferase (SOAT), inhibiting its ability to synthesize cholesteryl esters. To facilitate an analysis of the binding site(s) of these compounds, we designed beauveriolide analogues 1a-1d wherein the Leu or D-allo-Ile residue was replaced by photoreactive amino acids possessing methyldiazirine or trifluoromethyldiazirine in the side chains. The methyldiazirine moiety was installed by reaction of methyl ketones with liquid ammonia to provide imine intermediates, followed by treatment with hydroxylamine-O-sulfonic acid to provide the diaziridines. Subsequent oxidation gave methyldiazirines. In contrast, trifluoromethyldiazirine derivatives were prepared from trifluoromethyl ketones via the oxime intermediates, which were transformed into diaziridines. Subsequent oxidation afforded trifluoromethyldiazirines. The synthesized photoreactive amino acids 3a-3d were coupled with 3-hydroxy-4-methyloctanoic acid 4 and dipeptide 5, followed by macrolactamization to provide beauveriolide analogues 1a-1d.