Versatile methodology for the synthesis and α-functionalization of (2R,3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid

An improved strategy for the effective synthesis of enantiomerically pure (2R,3aS,7aS)-octahydroindole-2-carboxylic acid (Oic), based on the formation of a trichloromethyloxazolidinone derivative, has been developed. Additionally, the completely diastereoselective α-alkylation of such oxazolidinone provides a very convenient and concise route to enantiopure α-tetrasubstituted derivatives of this Oic stereoisomer.