Enantiomerically pure N, N-dibenzyl-α-amino aldehydes reacted with (chloromethyl) lithium, generated in situ from bromochloromethane and lithium metal, to give predominantly erythro aminoalkyl epoxides. Treatment of the crude epoxides with aqueous hydrochloric acid gave crystalline (2 S, 3 S)-N, N-dibenzylamino chlorohydrin hydrochlorides in 32-56% overall yield and high isomeric purity. These compounds are versatile synthetic intermediates for ...
