Researchers report that carboxylic acids, functional groups contained in biomolecules, drugs, and materials can be readily modified by light-induced organic reactions using an aminocyclopropenone.

Strecker synthesis is one of several means of producing α-amino acids. α-amino acids are molecules, which contain an amine and carboxylic group that are separated by a single carbon (the α-carbon).

Here we focus on aromatic polyureas (PUs) showing interchain hydrogen bonding, such as aromatic polyamides from 4,4'-diamino-α-truxillic acid (4ATA) whose carboxylic acids are not protected. We find ...