Enantioselective syntheses of ( R)-3-phenyl GABA, ( R)-baclofen and 4-arylpyrrolidin-2-ones

Abstract

Enantioselective synthesis of (R)-4-amino-3-phenylbutyric acid and (R)-baclofen has been achieved through a diastereoselective conjugate addition of cyanide to enantiomericaly pure 2-(2-arylethenyl)oxazolines, followed by chemoselective reduction into cyclic amidines.