Synthesis of Fmoc-protected β-amino alcohols and peptidyl alcohols from Fmoc-amino acid / peptide acid azides

An efficient synthesis of N α -9H-fluoren-9-ylimethoxycarbonyl(Fmoc)-β-amino alcohols by the reduction of Fmoc-α-amino acyl azides employing aqueous NaBH 4 as a reducing agent has been described. The reduction is found to be simple and almost complete. All the Fmoc-β-amino alcohols prepared are fully characterized by 'H and 13 C NMR and mass spectrometry. Further, the method is extended for the reduction of seven Fmoc-dipeptidyl acids to the corresponding alcohols. Their reduction is also found to be smooth and complete.