Synthesis of (2S,3R)- and (2S,3S)-[3-2H1]-proline via highly stereoselective hydrolysis of a silyl enol ether

A straightforward synthesis of (2S)-[3,3-2H2]-proline 1c and (2S,3R)- and (2S,3S)-[3-2H1]-proline, 1b and 1a, respectively, has been devised. The key step of the route to the latter compounds involves highly stereoselective hydrolysis of the silyl enol ethers 3 and 3a, respectively, with protonation (deuteriation) from the re-face of the silyl enol ether.