| abstract |
A process for removing .beta.-hydroxy groups from .beta.-hydroxy-containing compounds is disclosed. The process involves the use of a retro-aldol-promoting reagent selected from the group consisting of trimethylamine-N-oxide, triethylamine-N-oxide, trimethylamine-N-oxide hydrate, and trimethylamine-hydrate and requires dissolution of the substrate in an aprotic solvent and reaction under elevated temperatures. The process is broadly applicable to a variety of substrates including complex cyclic peptides, linear peptides, and non-peptides. |