Organocatalyzed Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Amino Acids

Key words

organocatalysis - α-amino acids - phase-transfer catalysis - cinchona alkaloids

Significance

Unnatural amino acids play a unique role in the peptide drug development ­arena. Hence, peptide development chemists are highly attracted to the development of new methods for the synthesis of unnatural amino acids. In 1997, the authors developed a new method for the synthesis of optically pure amino acids using a cinchona ­alkaloid-derived phase-transfer catalyst.

Comment

A series of unnatural α-amino acids were synthesized by asymmetric alkylation of a benzophenone-derived glycine imine with the help of a cinchona alkaloid-derived phase-transfer catalyst. The reaction could produce α-amino acids with moderate to good optical purity.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 October 2023