anti-Selective SMP-catalyzed direct asymmetric Mannich-type reactions: synthesis of functionalized amino acid derivatives

The first (S)-2-methoxymethylpyrrolidine (SMP)-catalyzed direct asymmetric Mannich-type reactions of unmodified aldehydes with N-PMP-protected α-imino ethyl glyoxylate are described. The reaction proceeded in a highly anti-selective manner (dr up to 19:1) with enantioselectivities between 74 and 92%.