An unusual 1,2-N→C acyl migration in urea derivatives of α-aminoorganolithiums

Transmetalation of urea derivatives of α-aminoorganostannanes with alkyllithiums provides α-aminoorganolithiums which undergo rapid N to C acyl migration to afford α-aminocarboxamides. The stereochemical course of the transmetalation/migration process depends on the substituents on the urea and varies from complete retention of configuration to complete racemization.