A three‐step synthesis of (±)‐β‐methyleneaspartic acid

A simplified, three-step synthesis for (±)-β-methyleneaspartic acid is described. Condensation of diethyl malonate with ethyl pyruvate gives 1,1,2–tricarbethoxyprop-1-ene, which is α-aminated with chloramine to give 1-amino-1,1,2-tricarbethoxyprop-2-ene. The latter is hydrolyzed in acid to give the title compound.