Photochemical Chemoselective Alkylation of Tryptophan-Containing Peptides

We report a photochemical method for the chemoselective radical functionalization of tryptophan (Trp)-containing peptides. The method exploits the photoactivity of an electron donor-acceptor complex generated between the tryptophan unit and pyridinium salts. Irradiation with weak light (390 nm) generates radical intermediates right next to the targeted Trp amino acid, facilitating a proximity-driven radical functionalization. This protocol exhibits high chemoselectivity for Trp residues over other amino acids and tolerates biocompatible conditions.