Valine and alanine were converted into the corresponding α-hydroxy-β-amino acids through intramolecular SN2′ cyclization. The novel cyclization protocol relied upon the use of N-benzyl-protected carbamates derived from α-amino acids
oxazolidin-2-one - intramolecular cyclization - stereoselectivity - A(1,3) strain - α-hydroxy-β-amino acids