Diastereoselective Conjugate Addition of Cyanide to α,β-Unsaturated ­Oxazolidinones: Enantioselective Synthesis of ent-Pregabalin and Baclofen

Abstract

Conjugate addition of cyanide to chiral α,β-unsaturated oxazolidinones catalyzed by samarium(III) isopropoxide proceeds with good diastereoselectivity. The addition products can be converted into the biologically active targets ent-pregabalin and baclofen.