New TFA-free cleavage and final deprotection in Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis: Dilute HCl in fluoro alcohol

A novel method for cleaving from resin and removing acid-labile protecting groups for the Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis is described. 0.1 N HCl in hexafluoroisopropanol or trifluoroethanol cleanly and rapidly removes the tert-butyl ester and ether, Boc, trityl, and Pbf groups and cleaves the common resin linkers: Wang, HMPA, Rink amide, and PAL. Addition of just 5-10% of a hydrogen-bonding solvent considerably retards or even fully inhibits the reaction. However, a non-hydrogen-bonding solvent is tolerated. © 2012 American Chemical Society.