Synthesis of C 3-symmetric star-shaped molecules containing α-amino acids and dipeptides via Negishi coupling as a key step.

We demonstrate a new synthetic strategy toward star-shaped C 3-symmetric molecules containing α-amino acid (AAA) derivatives and dipeptides. In this regard, trimerization and Negishi cross-coupling reactions are used as the key steps starting from readily available 4'-iodoacetophenone and L-serine. These C 3-symmetric molecules containing AAA moieties are useful to design new ligands suitable for asymmetric synthesis and peptide dendrimers.