An efficient synthesis of optically pure α-alkyl-β-azido- and α-alkyl-β-aminoalanines via ring opening of 3-amino-3-alkyl-2-oxetanones

N-Boc-α-alkylserine β-lactones on ring opening with sodium azide provide N-Boc-α-alkyl-β-azidoalanines, as N-protected amino acids are suitable for direct incorporation into peptides. N-Boc-α-alkyl-β-azidoalanines can be transformed by catalytic hydrogenation into the corresponding N-Boc-α-alkyl-β-aminoalanines.