Regiospecific synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted-L-histidines and 2,3-disubstit
uted histamines starting from L-histidine methyl ester and histamine is rep
orted, The key step involves homolytic free radical alkylation via silver c
atalyzed oxidative decarboxylation of alkylcarboxylic acids with ammonium p
ersulfate. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.