SM2 - 11-3-2013 at 15:44
Without getting into proteins or peptides, is there interest in using mainly amino acids in hopefully non-harsh environment, to form more classical
chemicals, and not small molecule peptide strings or proteins. Any good reading on this? I have seen several articles mentioning specific 1-2 step
reactions, but nothing to elaborate upon that. My hunch is with the classical aminos only, and some easily obtainable co-reagents, one could
conceivable form much more complex molecules. I'd like to read up on that.
DraconicAcid - 11-3-2013 at 19:09
You can make transition metal complexes with some of them.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15477157
maxpayne - 12-3-2013 at 05:13
There is also very interesting cross-aldol reaction using amino acid L-proline as a catalyst.
The First Direct and Enantioselective Cross-Aldol Reaction of Aldehydes
L-proline is used as a catalyst in many more cross-aldol reactions, like using 3 components, etc. Do your own research if interested in using amino
acids as catalyst. Fairly complex, but somewhat limited molecules could be obtained.
SM2 - 12-3-2013 at 07:45
Hi All, and thanks. Thanks for the replies. 
Now, I was thinking, more, using
amino acids in lieu of fine reagents, to accomplish similar outcomes. Cleaner chemistry perhaps. Certainly novel synthesis. This is no short order.
Unfortunately, I see no reason why a scientist would write on such a topic or write such a book, pretty much exclusive to using aminos as the
building blocks. The advantages to the amateur scientist are clear - availability.
I do know of several publications which attempt to reverse engineer plant alkaloid synthesis, and pointing to the amino acids used in various stages,
but I was hoping for something a bit more practical, like a Vogels.
maxpayne - 12-3-2013 at 12:23
SM2:
I agree somewhat with you about - availability. But this word is far too strong and important than one can think at the first glance.
It is about medicines available to everyone at little or no price in the future.
So, why do you think if there is some practical and easy solution for any desired molecule, you would get your hands on it?
I do not want to insult science or anybody, but today, it is obvious that money controls what will be researched, to what stage, etc, etc, and what
will be published. But this is another story.
SM2 - 13-3-2013 at 09:45
I'm sorry maxpayne, perhaps you've drifted.
reference
SM2 - 18-3-2013 at 06:01
OK well if anyone cares to share a reference they know of, it would be much appreciated. Thanks so far.
mnick12 - 18-3-2013 at 09:03
There are all sorts of neet things you can do with cheap amino acids, for example:
http://www.orgsyn.org/orgsyn/prep.asp?prep=cv8p0119
bananaman - 18-3-2013 at 17:37
Try reading Mannich reaction.