Asymmetric synthesis of cyclic β-amino acids and cyclic amines via sequential diastereoselective conjugate addition and ring closing metathesis

Diastereoselective conjugate addition of lithium (S)-N-allyl-N-α-methylbenzylamide to a range of α,β-unsaturated esters followed by ring closing metathesis is used to afford efficiently a range of substituted cyclic β-amino esters in high d.e. Alternatively, conjugate addition to α,β-unsaturated Weinreb amides, functional group conversion and ring closing metathesis affords cyclic amines in high d.e. The further application of this methodology to the synthesis of a range of carbocyclic β-amino esters via conjugate addition, enolate alkylation and ring closing metathesis is also described. Application of this methodology affords, after deprotection, (S)-homoproline, (S)-homopipecolic acid, (S)-coniine and (1S,2S)-trans-pentacin.