Synthesis of α-Amino Acid Derivatives by Biomimetic Transamination

Abstract

Shi and co-workers have developed a methodology to synthesize α-amino acid derivatives 3 from α-keto esters 2, catalyzed by cinchona alkaloid derivative 1. This is the first catalytic highly enantioselective synthesis of α-amino acid derivatives 3 via biomimetic transamination. The proton of the ammonium ion in the transition state is delivered to the si-face of the substrate, affording the (R)-α-amino ester as the major enantiomer.