Synthesis and properties of the first all-aza analogue of a biologically active peptide.

The synthesis of the first all-aza-amino acid analogue (2) of a peptidic renin inhibitor is described. The X-ray structural analysis and molecular modelling investigations of this novel compound reveal interesting conformational features which have a significant impact on its biological activity. In addition, insight into conformational features of azapeptides in general in comparison with the corresponding purely peptidic compounds is given.