Asymmetric wolff rearrangement reactions with alpha-alkylated-alpha-diazoketones: stereoselective synthesis of alpha-substituted-beta-amino acid derivatives

Photoinduced asymmetric Wolff rearrangement reactions were performed with alpha-amino-alpha'-methyl-alpha'-diazoketones to afford alpha-methyl-beta-amino acid esters with good stereoselectivity. Factors that may influence the stereochemistry were examined, including steric effects and temperature dependence, which had a great impact on the stereochemistry.