Reductive cyanation: A key step for a short synthesis of (-)-(2S,3S)-3- hydroxyproline

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01133-2

A short stereoselective synthesis of (-)-(2S,3S)-3-hydroxyproline has been realized from L-malic acid as the source of chirality. The key step was the reductive cyanation of the intermediate 1a, in high stereoselectivity and yield.