Asymmetric synthesis of (S,R)- and (R,R)-methiin stereoisomers

Abstract

An asymmetric synthesis of (+)- and (–)-methiine (S-methyl-(R)-cysteine sulfoxide) diastereomers has been developed. These natural sulfur compounds were isolated from a variety of Brassica vegetables. As the starting compound, (R)-cysteine was used, which was methylated to form (R)-S-methylcysteine. Then the oxidation of S-methylcysteine with tert-butyl hydroperoxide catalyzed by the chiral tetra(isopropylate)titanium/(S)- or (R)-Binol complex led to the formation of (1 R,2S)-(+)- or (1 R,2R)-(–)-methiin stereomers.