Discovery of new PPARγ agonists based on arylopeptoids.

In this study we present the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a small, first-generation library of small molecule aromatic amides based on the arylopeptoid skeleton. The compounds were efficiently synthesized using a highly convenient submonomer solid-phase methodology which potentially allows for access to great product diversity. The synthesized compounds were tested for their ability to activate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) and they all acted as PPARγ agonists in the μM range spanning from 2.

Ralph F. Hirschmann award address 2009: Merger of organic chemistry with peptide diversity.

A huge unleashed potential lies hidden in the large and diverse pool of encoded and particularly nonencoded chiral alpha-, beta-, and gamma-amino acids available today. Although these have been extensively exploited in peptide science, the community of organic chemistry has only used this source of diversity in a quite focused and targeted manner. The properties and behavior of peptides as functional molecules in biology are well documented and based on the ability of peptides to adapt a range of discrete conformers at a minimal entropic penalty and therefore ideally fitting their endogenous targets.

Reconsidering glycosylations at high temperature: precise microwave heating.

Current methods for glycosylation of complex alcohols, e.g. with glycosyl trichloroacetimidates, generally occur in the presence of a strong Lewis acid 'promoter', and at sub-ambient temperatures.