An efficient metal-free synthesis of carbodiimide-tethered amino acid conjugates

In this study, we report a straightforward oxidative cross-coupling synthesis of carbodiimide tethered amino acid conjugates from amino acid-derived isocyanides and aryl amines mediated by I₂/tert-butyl hydroperoxide. Using this protocol, the title compounds were obtained in good isolated yields. This protocol is of short reaction duration, base-free, racemization free and avoids the necessity of transition metal catalysts.