Copper-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of α-dehydroamino acid derivatives: facile synthesis of chiral β-hydroxy-α-amino acids.

The Cu-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate hydroboration reaction of β-substituted α-dehydroamino acid derivatives has been established, affording enantioenriched syn- and anti-β-boronate-α-amino acid derivatives with excellent combined yields (83–99%, dr ≈ 1:1) and excellent enantioselectivities (92–98% ee). The hydroboration products were expediently converted into valuable β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives, which were widely used in the preparation of chiral drugs and bioactive molecules.