Asymmetric synthesis of α-allyl-α-aryl α-amino acids by tandem alkylation/π-allylation of α-iminoesters.

The first asymmetric synthesis of α-allyl-α-aryl α-amino acids by means of a three-component coupling of α-iminoesters, Grignard reagents, and cinnamyl acetate is reported. Notably, the enolate from the tandem process provides a much higher level of reactivity and selectivity than the same enolate generated via direct deprotonation, presumably due to differences in the solvation/aggregation state. A novel method for removal of a homoallylic amine protecting group delivers the free amine congeners. The α-allyl group offers a means to generate further valuable α-amino acid structures as exemplified by ring closing metathesis to generate a higher ring homologue of α-aryl-proline.