Abstract: A method for synthesis of optically pure a-amino acids has been developed. Mono- and di-N-protected a-amino-@-lactones 3a (L, R,= H, R2= COOCH2Ph (Z)), 3b (D, R1= H, R2= Z), 3c (L, R,= CH2Ph, R2= Z), and 3d (D, RI= CH, Ph, R2= Z) are readily produced by cyclization of the corresponding serine derivatives 2 under modified Mitsunobu conditions without loss of optical purity. Stereochemical integrity was demonstrated by conversion of ...
[Johnston, Meghan; Bhatt, Shachi R.; Sikka, Surina; Mercier, Richard W.; West, Jay M.; Makriyannis, Alexandros; Gatley, S. John; Duclos Jr., Richard I. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2012 , vol. 22, # 14 p. 4585 - 4592]