Faculty of Science (FNWI) - Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS)
Abstract
A new class of Michael acceptors based on α,β-unsaturated amino acids has been prepared and applied in asymmetric organocatalysis. With the use of thiourea derivatives of cinchona alkaloid-derived catalysts, efficient addition of thiols to the dehydroamino acids occurred with formation of β-thiol functionalized α-amino acids in high yields, moderate diastereoselectivities and ee values up to 95%.