Synthesis of Peptides and Pyrazines from β‐Amino Alcohols through Extrusion of H 2 Catalyzed by Ruthenium Pincer Complexes: Ligand‐Controlled Selectivity

Your choice: The choice of the Ru-pincer-complex catalyst determines if peptides or pyrazines are formed from β-amino alcohols. Use of PNN complex 1 leads to linear poly(alanine) or to cyclic dipeptides, depending on the R group (see scheme). With the PNP complex 2, pyrazines are formed. These reactions are homogeneously catalyzed under neutral conditions and are environmentally benign.