Polymerization of amino acid methyl esters via their copper complexes

Abstract

Polymerization of glycine methyl ester catalyzed by cupric ions in organic solvents yields oligoglycines with a degree of polymerization up to nine. With a trifunctional amino acid, the yeild and degree of polymerization were much lower. Extension of this reaction to an aqueous medium was not successful even when copper ions were complexed with substances like montmorillonite or fatty acids. The prebiotic significance of this reaction is discussed. © 1975 D. Reidel Publishing Company.