Cover Feature: An Alternative Mechanistic Paradigm for the Electrochemical C-Terminal Decarboxylation of Peptides (ChemElectroChem 14/2025)

Abstract

A molecular binding event achieves a selective oxidation of C-terminal peptide acids in the presence of the electron-rich tyrosine residue. Much like a puzzle, the iron mediator easily fits to the C-terminal dicarboxylate, which behaves as a bidentate chelator for the metal center. Then, a two-electron oxidation, coupled with a rapid decarboxylation, leads to an iminium intermediate. More information can be found in the Research Article by Kevin D. Moeller, Kim S. Halskov, and Adam J. Sowers (10.1002/celc.202500142).