Catalytic, enantioselective alkylation of alpha-imino esters: the synthesis of nonnatural alpha-amino acid derivatives.

Methodology for the practical synthesis of nonnatural amino acids has been developed through the catalytic, asymmetric alkylation of alpha-imino esters and N,O-acetals by enol silanes, ketene acetals, alkenes, and allylsilanes using chiral transition metal-phosphine complexes as catalysts (1-5 mol %). The alkylation products, which are prepared with high enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) and diastereoselectivity (up to 25:1/anti:syn), are protected nonnatural amino acids that represent potential precursors to natural products and pharmaceuticals. A kinetic analysis of the catalyzed reaction of alkenes with alpha-imino esters is presented to shed light on the mechanism of this reaction.