Highly Efficient Cyclization Approach of Propargylated Peptides via Gold(I)-Mediated Sequential C–N, C–O, and C–C Bond Formation

A rapid and efficient cyclization of unprotected N-propargylated peptides using the Au­(I) organometallic complex is reported. The method relies on the activation of the propargyl functionality using gold­(I) to produce a new linkage with the N-terminus amine at the cyclization site. The presented method features a fast reaction rate (within 20 min), mild conditions, chemoselectivity, wide sequence scope, and high yields (up to 87%). The strategy was successfully tested on a wide variety of 30 unprotected peptides having various sequences and lengths, thus providing access to structurally distinct cyclic peptides. The practical usefulness of this method was demonstrated in producing peptides that bind efficiently to Lys48-linked di- and tetra-ubiquitin chains. The new cyclic peptide modulators exhibited high permeability to living cells and promoted apoptosis via binding with the endogenous Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains.