Lexitropsins,the oligoamides of some N-methylheteroaromatic amino acids,viz.of those derived from N-methylpyrrole,N-methyl-3-hydroxypyrrole,N-methylimidazole and other N-methylhetarenes are so far the most promising structures for the regulation of gene expression in biotechnology.1 It is known that the trichloroacetyl group of the title compound can be converted to the acid,esters or amides with facility.Therefore this compound serves as the independent N-terminal component of oligoamides.It is also useful as a substrate for the introduction of the amino group through nitration at position 4 and the reduction of the nitro group to the 4-amino group.l-Methyl-2-trichloroacetylimidazole is synthesized through the addition of trichloroacetyl chloride to N-methylimidazole in an organic solvent;after a waiting period of time for the formation of the salt triethylamine is added to complete the reaction.During the addition of triethylamine,the reaction mixture grows dark and therefore the total time was kept to only one hour.The product was isolated with the help of column chromatography.Because attempts to reproduce the literature procedure failed,we now report the elaboration of an improved preparation of l-methyl-2-trichloroacetylimidazole.
展开▼
