Chemical biology develops molecular tools for studying biological processes, setting the basis for new diagnostics and therapeutics, and relies heavily on the ability to modify selectively biomolecules. In our work, we introduce hypervalent iodine bonds into peptides and proteins, via functionalization of cysteine, by using unique cyclic reagents developed in our group. The hypervalent bond can then be selectively modified in the presence of both natural and synthetic functional groups, opening new opportunities for applications in chemical biology.

Highly stereoselective synthesis of Z-enamides and enol ethers at room temperature via an umpolung/cross coupling strategy applicable to drugs and natural products.