Improved auxiliary for the synthesis of medium-sized bis(lactams)

Our auxiliary-based method for the synthesis of bis(lactams) has been optimized. A novel auxiliary is described that is inserted in the backbone of a linear peptide facilitating the mutually reactive terminal groups to approach one another for a cyclization reaction. A subsequent ring contraction mechanism leads to the bis(lactams) with the remainings of the auxiliary still attached. Functionalized seven- and eight-membered bis(lactams) have been prepared that are difficult to access using traditional methods. Removal of the auxiliary from the bis(lactams) has been described with the possible side reactions that can occur.