Enantiospecific Synthesis of (1S,2S,5R,6S)-2-Aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic Acid by a Modified Corey-Link Reaction.

Abstract ( 1S,2S,5R,6S )-2-Aminobicyclo[3.1.0]hexane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (LY354740) was synthesised enantiospecifically from a sugar derived enantiomerically pure cyclopentenone. The α-amino acid stereogenic centre was formed by reacting the ketone with chloroform anion and then the alcohol so formed was reacted with sodium azide/DBU in methanol to give an azido ester. Critically, this modified Corey-Link reaction gives the opposite stereochemical outcome to the traditional Bucherer-Bergs and Strecker reactions. The azide was reduced and acylated, the 1,2 diol deoxygenated and the protecting groups removed to give LY354740 with an e.e.>98%.