Ni₂-Schiff Base Complex for Synthesis of α-Tetrasubstituted α,β-Diamino Acid Precursors

Significance

Jørgensen and co-worker previously demonstrated a similar reaction using α-­methyl nitro acetate, but only an α-imino ester was used as the electrophile (K. R. Knudsen, K. A. Jørgensen Org. Biomol. Chem. 2005, 3, 1362). A more versatile catalyst capable of a broader substrate scope is required. This catalyst system generates α-tetrasubstituted diamino acid precursors in high yield, diastereo-, and enantioselectitvities. Various other transformations using different nucleophiles were shown.