A new, mild two-step synthesis of racemic β-amino acids starting from 2-alkyl-Δ2-oxazolines is described. The process implies the initial formation of masked N-substituted or N- unsubstituted β-enamino acid derivatives followed by chemoselective reduction of the enamino moiety. The process takes place with high yields, total chemoselectivity and moderate diastereoselectivity.
