Stereodivergent entry to β-branched β-trifluoromethyl α-amino acid derivatives by sequential catalytic asymmetric reactions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1039/d1sc01442k

Currently, conventional reductive catalytic methodologies do not guarantee general access to enantioenriched β-branched β-trifluoromethyl α-amino acid derivatives. Herein, a one-pot approach to these important α-amino acids, grounded on the reduction - ring opening of Erlenmeyer-Pl?chl azlactones, is presented. The configurations of the two chirality centers of the products are established during each of the two catalytic steps, enabling a stereodivergent process.