Synthesis of benzyl esters using 2-benzyloxy-1-methylpyridinium triflate.

Triethylamine (Et3N) mediates esterification reactions between the title reagent (1) and carboxylic acids. Alcohols, phenols, amides, and other sensitive functionality are not affected; a dual role for Et3N as a promoter and a scavenger is postulated. Benzyl esters are obtained from substrates including amino acid and sugar derivatives.

Molecular targeting of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins based on small molecule mimics of natural binding partners.

An assay based on a solvent-sensitive fluorogenic dye molecule, badan, is used to test the binding affinity of a library of tetrapeptide molecules for the BIR3 (baculovirus IAP repeat) domain of XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein). The fluorophore is attached to a tetrapeptide, Ala-Val-Pro-Cys-NH(2), through a thiol linkage and, upon binding to XIAP, undergoes a solvatochromic shift in fluorescence emission. When a molecule (e.