Synthesis of tryptophans by Lewis acid promoted ring-opening of aziridine-2-carboxylates: optimization of protecting group and Lewis acid

The preparation of tryptophan derivatives through the Lewis acid promoted substitution of aziridine carboxylates with indole was found to be accompanied by a ring-expansion reaction to generate an oxazolidinone byproduct. The ratio of tryptophan to oxazolidinone products can be optimized through a judicious choice of Lewis acid and N-protecting group.