Reaction of α-amidoalkylphenyl sulfones with Reformatsky reagents. A new entry to β-amino esters

The reaction of Reformatsky reagents with α-amidoalkylphenyl sulfones proceeds in dichloromethane at room temperature leading to the synthesis of the corresponding β-amino esters in good yields. The procedure presents syn stereoselectivity and can be also extended to Reformatsky reagents based on γ-bromocrotonates.