Heterogeneous Phase Transfer Catalysis in Solid Phase Syntheses of Anth-Cyclic Tetrapeptides

This study features solid phase syntheses of cyclic tetrapeptides containing anthranilic acid (Anth) on relatively inexpensive resins derived from polystyrene. It proved to be difficult to hydrolyze a supported Anth-methyl ester unless a phase transfer catalyst was added to facilitate transport of hydroxide into the swollen hydrophobic gel state of the resin. We suggest this may be an under-appreciated strategy for improving syntheses on polystyrene supports.