Synthesis of Unnatural Amino Acids from in situ Generated Glycine Cation Equivalents

Key words

unnatural amino acids - α-aryl-α-amino acid esters - glycine cation equivalents - aminoalkylation

Significance

Unnatural amino acids, especially α-aryl-α-amino acids, are ubiquitous building blocks found in many natural products and biologically ­active compounds. The authors developed an efficient method for the synthesis of unnatural amino acid esters by amino alkylation with in situ gener­ated glycine cation equivalents.

Comment

The aminoalkylation of phenols and aromatic N- and O-heteroaromatics with in situ generated glycine cation equivalents proceeded smoothly and offer various unnatural α-aryl-α-­amino acid esters in good yields. This method is practically simple and showcases a broad functional group tolerance.

Publication History

Article published online:
14 July 2023