Stereoselective synthesis of alpha-hydroxy-beta-amino acids: the chiral pool approach

Abstract

A method for the stereoselective homologation of alpha-amino acids into syn-alpha-hydroxy-beta-amino acids is described. based on the conversion of stereoisomeric cyanohydrins into trans-oxazolines. The synthetic potential of the method is illustrated in the enantioselective formal synthesis of Bestatin.