Chemoselective Late-Stage Functionalization of Peptides via Photocatalytic C2-Alkylation of Tryptophan

Across eukaryotic proteomes, tryptophan is the least abundant of the 20 canonical amino acids, which makes it an ideal chemical handle for the late-stage functionalization of peptide and protein scaffolds with minimal production of undesired isoforms. Herein, we report the photocatalytic C2-alkylation of tryptophan using bromodifluoroacetate/acetamide-derived radical precursors. This rapid visible-light-mediated reaction is additive-free, operationally simple, and tolerates diverse functionality. We demonstrate the late-stage modification of a variety of complex peptides, including examples of biological significance.