| abstract |
A method for synthesizing enantiomerically enriched chemical intermediates with predetermined chirality is described. The method comprises formation of a pseudoephedrine amide, followed by stereoselective alkylation at the alpha carbon. The chiral auxiliary can then be cleaved off, affording chiral end products useful for further transformations. The enantiomeric enrichment of the chiral end products may exceed 98%, and the chiral auxiliary can be recovered. Novel amides of pseudoephedrine used in this method are also disclosed. |