Abstract
N, S-Bis-tert-butoxycarbonyl-L-cysteine (I), a novel protected cysteine derivative, is proposed for glutathione synthesis. I was obtained in one step reaction from L-cysteine and tert-butoxycarbonyl chloride. The reaction of tert-butoxycarbonyl azide with L-cysteine also gave I but in low yield. The protecting groups on the nitrogen and sulfur atoms of I are stable under the usual conditions used in peptide synthesis and can be removed selectively by mild acidic or alkaline conditions. These groups are also removed simultaniously by a strong acidic reagent such as hydrogen chloride of high concentration in acetic acid. Synthesis of glutathione was performed employing I as a new type of intermediate.
