The Catalytic Role of L-Serine, L-Asparagine, L-Tryptophan, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Methionine in Organic Reactions
229–266
چکیده
L-serine displays many metabolic functions during different developmental stages; its functions include providing precursors for the synthesis of amino acids, proteins, nucleotides, neurotransmitters, and L-serine-derived lipids. Asparagine is a beta-amido derivative of aspartic acid and plays an important role in the biosynthesis of glycoproteins and other proteins. A metabolic precursor to aspartate, asparagine is a nontoxic carrier of residual ammonia to be eliminated from the body. Asparagine acts as diuretic. The biosynthesis of asparagine in several mammalian tissues is catalyzed by glutamine-dependent asparagine synthetase. Asparagine synthesis also occurs when glutamine is replaced by ammonia. L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps the body make proteins and certain brain-signaling chemicals. This amino acid is an essential amino acid that is required for normal growth and it serves as an in vivo precursor for several bioactive compounds, including nicotinamide (vitamin B6), serotonin, melatonin, tryptamine, kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and quinolinic and xanthurenic acids. L-phenylalanine is an essential amino acid. It is the only form of phenylalanine found in proteins. The production of L-phenylalanine is conventionally carried out by fragmentation with glucose or sucrose as the carbon source. Unnatural α-phenylalanine derivatives have been the subject of numerous investigations for their extensive distribution in biologically active compounds. Moreover, phenylalanine has been used as an asymmetric catalyst in several organic reactions. L-methionine is an essential amino acid in humans. This amino acid is the starting material to produce other amino acids such as cysteine and taurine. Also, methionine plays a critical role in protein and peptide structure, cell metabolism, and the health of many species that improve the tone and elasticity of the skin, promote healthy hair, and strengthen the nails. Moreover, methionine is a bipedal ligand that has a greater interest in coordination chemistry, organic chemistry, and materials science. This chapter provides an overview of the application of the above-mentioned amino acids in organic reactions. The substrate scope, limitation, reaction mechanism, and chemoselectivity, as well as related control strategies of these reactions, are discussed. This chapter aims to provide background on the application of amino acids in organic reactions.