GEL PHASE SYNTHESIS OF AN OCTAPEPTIDE, H-LYS-GLY-ASP-GLU-GLU-SER-LEU-ALA-OH ON A FLEXIBLE TRIETHYLENEGLYCOL DIMETHACRYLATE-CROSS-LINKED POLYSTYRENE SUPPORT

An octapeptide, H-Lys-Gly-Asp-Glu-Glu-Ser-Leu-Ala-OH corresponding to the sequence of the delicious peptide(1) has been synthesised on a 2% triethyleneglycol dimethacylate-crosslinked polystyrene support (PS-TE GDMA). The new flexible polyoxyethylene crosslinked support is prepare d from the styrene and TEGDMA by radical-induced suspension polymerisa tion. The functionalised support containing 1.74 mmole of chlorine/g h as been used for the stepwise assembly of the peptide. Couplings of Bo c-amino acids proceed smoothly in two stages. The peptide resin is fin ally cleaved to obtain the free peptide. The optimum hydrophilic-hydro phobic balance achieved in the solid support permit the synthetic mani pulations to be carried in the gel phase. The synthesis illustrates th e application of the novel flexible support in solid phase peptide syn thesis.