The synthesis of α-t-butyl γ-methyl N-trityl-(S)-glutamate (12) from (S)-glutamic acid (6) is described. Diester (12), on treatment with lithium Isopropylcyclohexylamide followed by the addition of carbonyl compounds, reacts to give the γ-substituted glutamic acid derivatives (13a-i) with retention of optical purity at the α centre.