A solution of the N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide active ester of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-leucylglycine was prepared according to the general procedure of M. Fugino, et al [Chem. Pharm. Bull. Japan, 22, 1857 (1974)]. A solution of 1.27 g. of N-benzyloxycarbonylleucylglycine and 0.72 g. of N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide in 5 ml. of tetrahydrofuran was cooled in an ice bath and 0.83 g. of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide was added to the cold solution together with 1 ml. of tetrahydrofuran. The reaction mixture was stirred at low temperature for 40 minutes and then at room temperature for 21/2 hours. The N,N'-dicyclohexylurea formed during the reaction was collected on a filter and washed with three 1-ml. portions of tetrahydrofuran.
