Synthesis and use of tetrahydrofuran- and tetrahydropyran-amino acids

Progress in the synthesis and the use of amino acids containing a THF or TH P ring is reported. Different synthetic routes from carbohydrates or alpha- amino acids as starting compounds are discussed. Examples for THF- and THP- amino acids as peptidomimetics or building blocks for fold-amers and combi natorial libraries are given. The role of THF-amino acids in the synthesis of artificial ion channels, e.g. THF-gramicidin hybrids, is highlighted.