Synthesis of fluorinated α,β-diamino esters by ring opening of activated 3-trifluoromethyl-aziridine-2-carboxylates

The activation of trifluoromethyl aziridine-2-carboxylates resulted to be a suitable strategy for their ring opening under neutral conditions. Using amines as nucleophiles the reaction proceeded regio- and diastereoselectively, giving rise to α,β-diamino-β-trifluoromethyl esters in good yields.