Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure β- and γ-Amino Acids from Aspartic and Glutamic Acid Derivatives

Abstract

An efficient synthesis of enantiomerically pure β- and γ-amino acids starting from commercially available aspartic and glutamic acid derivatives is described. The acid function, α to the amino group, is first transformed to a good leaving group and the product reacted with organocuprates to yield β-and γ-amino esters. After deprotection β- and γ-amino acids are obtained in good overall yields.