Synthesis of L-2-amino-4-hexynoic acid and derivatives

A synthesis is described of optically pure L-2-amino-4-hexynoic acid and its derivatives, which can serve as potentially useful precursors for the preparation of highly tritium labeled norleucine-containing peptides, as well as other side-chain modified peptides. Catalytic tritiation of one derivative of this acetylenic amino acid afforded the (3H)-L-norleucine derivative with a specific activity of 115 ± 5 Ci/mmol.