Methylation of alpha-amino acids and derivatives using trimethylsilyldiazomethane.

A study of the methylation of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids and derivatives with trimethylsilyldiazomethane is here reported. Trimethylsilyldiazomethane allows the chemo-specific methylation of the carboxyl function of N-nosyl-alpha-amino acids in high yields and purity. This method provides a practical route to N-methyl-alpha-amino acids avoiding the use of the more toxic and explosive diazomethane. This simple and safe methylation methodology of alpha-amino acids and derivatives is not limited to organic synthesis and involves the use of a commercially available reagent as well.