Ammonium tert-butyl H-phosphonate was used for the phosphorylation of Tyr-
and Ser-containing peptides synthesized by an Fmoc strategy. This reaction,
leading to a monoprotected peptide phosphate, was found to be highly effic
ient and generally applicable. Moreover, the method employed avoids undesir
ed side reactions during chain elongation (pyrophosphate formation and beta
-elimination catalyzed by piperidine).