Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral Heterocyclic Amino Acids via the Alkylation of the Ni(II) Complex of Glycine and Alkyl Halides

An
investigation into the reactivity profile of alkyl halides has
led to the development of a new method for the asymmetric synthesis
of chiral heterocyclic amino acids. This protocol involves the asymmetric
alkylation of the Ni­(II) complex of glycine to form an intermediate,
which then decomposes to form a series of valuable chiral amino acids
in high yields and with excellent diastereoselectivity. The chiral
amino acids underwent a smooth intramolecular cyclization process
to afford the valuable chiral heterocyclic amino acids in high yields
and enantioselectivities. This result paves the way for the development
of a new synthetic method for chiral heterocyclic amino acids.