Synthesis of Morpholine-2,5-dione Monomers for the Preparation of Polydepsipeptides

Biomaterials derived from synthetic polymers have traditionally been used for a variety of tissue engineering applications, however current research focuses on biologically functionalizing materials to improve various physical characteristics. Our laboratory has investigated the synthesis and characterization of polydepsipeptides (PDPs), which combine both synthetic and biologically relevant chemical groups. PDPs are prepared from a cyclic intermediate, the morpholine dione (MD). Here, we describe the synthesis of MDs using solid phase synthesis in an attempt to control racemization and improve purity with respect to prior solution phase synthesis methods.