Synthesis of beta-amino acids based on oxidative cleavage of dihydropyridone derivatives.

[reaction: see text] A new method for the synthesis of beta-amino acids based on 2,3-dihydropyridones as starting materials is presented. Conversions of 2,3-dihydropyridones with NaIO4 and subsequently with base gave the corresponding beta-amino acids in a one-pot procedure. The reactions have been monitored by 1H NMR indicating that the beta-amino acids were formed in quantitative yields mostly. This method appears to be of broad scope, as 2-substituted 2,3-dihydropyridones are easily accessible via N-acyliminium ions generated from 4-methoxypyridine.