Palladium-catalyzed carbenoid based N-H bond insertions: application to the synthesis of chiral α-amino esters.

A highly efficient palladium-catalyzed carbenoid based N-H bond insertion has been developed. The α-amino esters were obtained in high isolated yields. Moreover, by choosing a suitable chiral auxiliary, stereoselective Pd-catalyzed N-H insertion has been realized. The chiral α-amino esters were obtained in high yields (up to 91%) and with excellent diastereoselectivities (d.r. > 19 : 1).