α-Aminoesters react with Ph3PCCO in a domino addition–Wittig cyclization sequence affording enantiomerically pure tetramates. In the case of β-oxo functionalized α- aminoesters, eg, esters of serine, threonine or β-hydroxyornithine the yields of this reaction depend heavily on the bulkiness of the β-OR group and on the configuration of β-carbon atom C-3. Smaller residues and 2R/3R-configured aminoesters give better yields. The ...