Preparation of α-alkyl-β-amino acids via β-alanine Ni(II) complex.

A new β-amino acrylic acid Ni(II) complex has been developed and used for the synthesis of α-alkyl-β-amino acids via alkylation with alkyl halides under operationally convenient conditions. The pivotal α-alkylated intermediate can be converted into the corresponding α-alkyl-β-amino acids via two steps with a wide range of substituents.