Pr(OTf)3-promoted Chichibabin pyridine synthesis of isodesmosine in H2O/MeOH

1,2,3,5-Tetrasubstituted pyridinium amino acid isodesmosine is a crosslinking amino acid of elastin and is an attractive biomarker for the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Herein, we report an application of the Chichibabin pyridine synthesis to the total synthesis of isodesmosine. Specifically, the appropriate protected lysine and the corresponding aldehyde were reacted using Pr(OTf)3 in H2O/MeOH.