The enantioselective synthesis of alpha-amino acids by phase-transfer catalysis with achiral Schiff base esters.

The development and application of chiral phase-transfer catalysis (PTC) for the enantioselective synthesis of optically active alpha-amino acid derivatives using achiral Schiff base esters developed in the author's laboratory and by others is reviewed. Phase-transfer catalysts derived from the Cinchona alkaloids have been exploited as inexpensive and attractive organocatalysts in the chiral PTC process. The recent evolution and use of these and other catalytic systems is described.