2-Acetoxy-2-amino acid derivatives, which are useful synthetic intermediates, have been synthesized in good yields by anodic oxidation of acylaminomalonic acid monoesters in acetic acid containing sodium acetate. This electrochemical method has been extended to a synthesis of 3-acetoxy-3-amino acid derivatives from 3-alkoxycarbonylalanine derivatives. The mechanism of these electrode reactions is also discussed.
