Efficient and Mild Microwave-Assisted Stepwise Functionalization of Naphthalenediimide with α-Amino Acids

Microwave dielectric heating proved to be an efficient
method for the one-pot and stepwise syntheses of symmetrical and unsymmetrical naphthalenediimide derivatives
of α-amino acids. Acid-labile side chain protecting groups
are stable under the reaction conditions; protection of the
α-carboxylic group is not required. The stepwise condensation of different amino acids resulted in high yields of
unsymmetrical naphthalenediimides. The reaction proceeds
without racemization and is essentially quantitative.