Orthogonal bioconjugation targeting cysteine-containing peptides and proteins using alkyl thianthrenium salts

Late-stage specific and selective diversifications of peptides and proteins performed at target residues under ambient conditions are recognized to be the most facile route to various and abundant conjugates. Herein, we report an orthogonal modification of cysteine residues using alkyl thianthreium salts, which proceeds with excellent chemoselectivity and compatibility under mild conditions, introducing a diverse array of functional structures. Crucially, multifaceted bioconjugation is achieved through clickable handles to incorporate structurally diverse functional molecules. This "two steps, one pot" bioconjugation method is successfully applied to label bovine serum albumin. Therefore, our technique is a versatile and powerful tool for late-stage orthogonal bioconjugation. Late-stage specific and selective modifications of peptides and proteins at target residues under ambient conditions are the most facile routes to various bioconjugates. Here, the authors report an orthogonal modification of cysteine residues using alkyl thianthreium salts, which proceeds with excellent chemoselectivity and compatibility under mild conditions, introducing a diverse array of functional structures.