Enantioselective synthesis of anti-beta-amido-alpha-hydroxy esters via asymmetric transfer hydrogenation coupled with dynamic kinetic resolution

The asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of beta-amido-alpha-keto esters providing the corresponding anti-beta-amido-alpha-hydroxy esters via dynamic kinetic resolution is reported. The use of a commercially available, or simply prepared, chiral ruthenium catalyst results in good yields as well as high diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.