Dynamic kinetic resolution catalyzed by Ir axially chiral phosphine catalyst:: Asymmetric synthesis of anti aromatic β-hydroxy-α-amino acid esters

The anti selective hydrogenation of α-amino-β-keto esters via dynamic kinetic resolution was achieved for the first time by using the iridium-MeOBIPHEP catalyst in asymmetric synthesis of anti aromatic β-hydroxy-α-amino acid esters with excellent diastereo- and enantioslectivities. Acetic acid as a solvent and sodium acetate as an additive affected dramatically the yield and the enantioselectivity, respectively. The product anti aromatic β-hydroxy-α-amino acid esters are useful for synthesis of pharmaceuticals and natural products. Copyright © 2005 American Chemical Society.