(2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)-2-amino-3-phenyl-5-hexenoic acids have been synthesized in large scale by using Ni(II)-complexes as a template. The amino acids were used in the synthesis of [4,3,0]-bicyclic beta-turn mimetics by a convergent methodology. The unique advantage of this strategy is the convenience of introducing side chain groups with predetermined chiralities on both the five- and six-membered heterocyclic rings. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.