Catalysis of diketopiperazine synthesis

1. A method for the synthesis of N-protected 3,6-bis[4-aminoalkyl]-2,5-diketopiperazine comprising:

a. a step for catalyzing a dehydrative cyclocondensation reaction of an amino acid having a free α-amine group and a protected amine group, and

b. collecting the N-protected 3,6-bis[4-aminoalkyl]-2,5-diketopiperazine on a filter.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said dehydrative cyclocondensation reaction comprises heating to a target temperature and the target temperature is achieved in about 4-6 hours.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said dehydrative cyclocondensation reaction is heated to a target temperature and the target temperature is maintained for up to 6 hours.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein said dehydrative cyclocondensation reaction is heated to a target temperature and wherein said synthesis is substantially complete within about 8 hours of reaching said target temperature.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said step for catalyzing dehydrative cyclocondensation of said amino acid comprises using at least one of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or phosphorus pentoxide as the catalyst.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising heating the amino acid having a free α-amine group and a protected amine group in a solvent to a temperature range of between 160° C. and 170° C.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said step for catalyzing a dehydrative cyclocondensation reaction of an amino acid having a free α-amine group and a protected amine group comprises addition of a catalyst to the solution, wherein said catalyst comprises at least one of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, or phosphorus pentoxide.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein said catalyst comprises phosphorus pentoxide.

9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the solution further comprises m-cresol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, toluene, or xylene.