A simple and efficient diastereoselective Strecker synthesis of optically pure α-arylglycines

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(99)00673-0

A simple and economical method for the synthesis of highly functionalised α-amino nitriles, precursors to α-arylglycines with high optical purity is reported. For this purpose, (R) or (S)-2-amino-2- phenylethanol were used as chiral auxiliaries in a 1,3 Strecker reaction. Reactions were studied with a broad range of reagent systems for the generation of cyano nucleophile. Methodology has been extended for the synthesis of (S)-α-(2-iodo-5-nitrophenyl)glycine, (S)-α-(4- methoxyphenyl)glycine and (R)-β-(4-methoxyphenyl)alanine.