Synthesis of Heterocyclic α-Amino Acids

Abstract

Although there are several reported methods for the synthesis of amino acids,^1–11 most of these require conditions which are unsuitable for sensitive precursors. An important exception is the route developed by Ugi and co-workers^6–11 involving condensation of a carbonyl compound, carboxylic acid, amine, and isocyanide at temperatures ranging from -78° to 25° C.