Asymmetric Synthesis of Glutamic Acid Derivatives by Silver-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition–Elimination Reactions

The enantioselective construction of a family of chiral glycine-derived aldimino esters is described. The asymmetric tandem conjugate addition–elimination procedure is characterized by its exceptional mild reaction conditions and features with an exquisite enantioselectivity profile using commercially available silver/DTBM-SegPhos catalyst, allowing for the facile preparation of a variety of substituted and chiral glutamic acid derivatives (up to 99% ee) bearing Schiff base in a straightforward manner.