Development of ProPhenol ligands for the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-amino esters

Abstract

A zinc-ProPhenol-catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reaction between glycine Schiff bases and aldehydes is reported. The design and synthesis of new ProPhenol ligands bearing 2,5-trans-disubstituted pyrrolidines was essential for the success of this process. The transformation operates at room temperature and affords syn β-hydroxy-α-amino esters in high yields with good to excellent levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. © 2014 American Chemical Society.