SYNTHESIS OF ENANTIOMERICALLY PURE BETA-AMINO AND GAMMA-AMINO-ACIDS FROM ASPARTIC AND GLUTAMIC-ACID DERIVATIVES

An efficient synthesis of enantiomerically pure beta- and gamma-amino acids starting from commercially available aspartic and glutamic acid derivatives is described. The acid function, alpha to the amino group, is first transformed to a good leaving group and the product reacted with organocuprates to yield beta- and gamma-amino esters. After deprotection beta- and gamma-amino acids are obtained in good overall yields.