Carbamoyl Anion Addition to Nitrones

The addition of carbamoyl anions derived from N,N-disubstituted formamides and LDA to N-tert-butyl nitrones is described. The reaction was demonstrated with a variety of formamides and nitrones and provided a direct route to alpha-(N-hydroxy)amino amides. The use of a tert-leucinol derived chiral auxiliary on the nitrone provided products in good diastereoselectivity. Derivatization of the products by tert-butyl deprotection or N-deoxygenation was demonstrated.