The asymmetric imino-aldol approach to the enantioselective synthesis of β-amino acids

Abstract

Two approaches, based on imino-aldol additions, to the asymmetric synthesis of cyclic β-amino acids are reported. In each case a chiral auxiliary was employed attached either to the enolate or to the imine. The relative efficacy of these two synthetic methods is also briefly compared with the former still the preferred route as the latter is currently limited to the preparation ofN-sulfonyl β-amino acids.