FmocOSu

FmocOSu is a chemical compound with the formula C16H10NO6. It is also known as 9-fluorenylmethyl succinimidyl carbonate. FmocOSu is primarily used as a reagent in solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) for the introduction of the fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) protecting group onto amino acids. The Fmoc group is acid-labile and base-labile, making it a popular choice for protecting the alpha-amino group of amino acids during peptide chain elongation. FmocOSu reacts with the amino group of an amino acid or peptide, forming a stable carbamate linkage. The succinimidyl ester portion of FmocOSu serves as a good leaving group, facilitating the reaction. This reagent is typically employed in solution phase or on solid supports where it reacts efficiently under mild basic conditions. Its effectiveness and the relatively straightforward deprotection conditions have made it a standard tool in modern peptide chemistry for research and pharmaceutical development.