The first example of a crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation (CIAT) in the Mannich reaction

The novel synthesis of highly enantioenriched N-substituted α-amino-γ-alkyl(aryl)-γ-oxobutanoic acids is described. The process involves the combination of a crystallization-induced asymmetric transformation (CIAT) and the Mannich reaction. The role of retro-Mannich and retro-Michael reactions in the mechanism of the highly stereoselective transformation is also discussed.