Diastereoselective synthesis of homologous bicyclic lactams––potential building blocks for peptide mimics

Bicyclic lactams serve as building blocks for the synthesis of conformationally restricted peptides. A route to these building blocks is described. They can serve as cis- and trans-peptide bond surrogates. Due to the de novo synthesis, both enantiomeric forms of these products can be produced. Key steps are a lipase-catalyzed saponification of oximes and a highly diastereoselective cyclization utilizing phenylselenyl bromide. In addition, attachment to a solid support has been achieved.