Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of (R)- and (S)-4-Amino-3-Methylbutanoic Acids

Abstract

(R)- and (S)-4-Amino-3-methylbutanoic acids were synthesized in high yields via initial enantioselective hydrolysis of dimethyl 3-methylglutarate to methyl (R)-3-methylglutarate with pig liver esterase. The ester group was converted to an amine to give (R)-4-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid; the carboxylic acid was converted to an amine to give (S)-4-amino-3-methylbutanoic acid.