| abstract |
The present invention provides a method for the synthesis of ß2-amino acids. The method also provides methods yielding a-substituted ß-amino aldehydes and ß-substituted γ-amino alcohols. The present method according to this invention allows for increased yield and easier purification using minimal chromatography or crystallization. The methods described herein are based on an aldehyde aminomethylation which involves a Mannich reaction between an aldehyde and a formaldehyde-derived N,O-acetal (iminium precursor) and a catalyst, such as, for example, L-proline or a pyrrolidine. The invention allows for large scale, commercial preparation of ß2-amino acids. |