Solid-phase synthesis of α-amino acids by radical addition to a dehydroalanine derivative

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(99)00799-6

The first synthesis of N-acetyl-a-amino acids by radical addition on solid support to commercially available 2-acetamidoacrylic acid using the mercury method is described. The reaction proceeds in acceptable chemical efficiency (49-60%) depending on the nature of the mercury halide agent. Cleavage by mild acid treatment released the product from the solid support in excellent purity.