Question

Outline the steps needed to synthesize the tetrapeptideAla–Leu–Ile–Gly using the Merrifield technique.

Short answer

The synthesis of long peptides can be done by using Merrifield technique. It is a solid-phase technique.

An amino acid is attached to an insoluble polymer in the Merrifield method. Amino acids are sequentially added, one at a time, thereby forming successive peptide bonds.

Because impurities and by-products are not attached to the polymer chain, they are removed simply by washing them away with a solvent at each stage of the synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Merrifield technique

The synthesis of long peptides can be done by using Merrifield technique. It is a solid-phase technique.

An amino acid is attached to an insoluble polymer in the Merrifield method. Amino acids are sequentially added, one at a time, thereby forming successive peptide bonds.

Because impurities and by-products are not attached to the polymer chain, they are removed simply by washing them away with a solvent at each stage of the synthesis.

Al-Leu-Ile-Gly

The given peptide has four amino acids in it. Hence it is an example of a tetrapeptide. The amino acids are alanine, leucine, isoleucine, and glycine.

Synthesis of the given tripeptide

The detailed synthesis of the given tetrapeptide in the solid phase is as shown below:

Synthesis of the given tetrapeptide