Enantioselective Synthesis of α-Amino Acids and Monosubstituted 1,2-Diamines by Conjugate Addition of 4-Phenyl-2-oxazolidinone to Nitroalkenes

The addition of the potassium salt of (R)- or (S)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolidinone to monosubstituted nitroalkenes proceeded with very good diastereoselectivity. Several of the addition products were converted into α-amino acids and monosubstituted 1,2-diamines of high enantiomeric purity.