Visible-Light Mediated Functionalization in Phe-Containing Peptides Upon a Debenzylative Amination Process

Guillermo Morales-Ortega, Iván Pérez-Cubero, Enrique Gómez-Bengoa, Arkaitz Correa,* Javier Carreras*

An efficient protocol for the modification of phenylalanine-containing peptides is developed. The tandem debenzylation–amination process in N-terminal phenylalanine short peptides with N-iodoimides proceeds under visible-light irradiation and metal-free conditions. This method broadens the available chemical toolbox for the modification of Phe and allows the incorporation of N-containing heterocycles into peptide settings.

Adv. Synth. Catal. 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adsc.70352