Efficient Synthesis of the Pyoverdine Chromophore: Expanding the Toolbox for the Preparation of Pyoverdine Conjugates

The pyoverdine chromophore is an important component of a family of siderophores which are secreted by the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa for iron absorption. In this study, an efficient and improved synthetic route to the chromophore structure is reported, beginning from readily available starting materials, D‐glutamic acid and L‐DOPA. This strategy has not only delivered the first synthesis of the free pyoverdine D chromophore, but also offers potential access to a wide range of other pyoverdine chromophore species.