Efficient synthesis of beta2-amino acid by homologation of alpha-amino acids involving the Reformatsky reaction and Mannich-type imminium electrophile.

Development of new methods for the synthesis of beta-amino acids is important as polymers of these compounds are promising peptidomimetic candidates in medicinal chemistry. We report here our findings on a new and highly efficient general strategy for the synthesis of beta2-amino acids by homologation of alpha-amino acids, involving the Reformatsky reaction and Mannich-type imminium electrophile.