Synthesis of Optically Active α-Amino Esters via Dynamic Kinetic Resolution: A Mechanistic Study

Synthesis of N-protected optically active α-amino esters from racemic α-halo esters via dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) will be described. This methodology is general in nature and provides the desired optically active N-protected amino esters in 70−95% yield with diastereomeric excesses in the range of 85 to >98%. Applications and mechanistic aspects will be discussed.