Asymmetric Intermolecular Conjugate Addition of Amino Acid Derivatives via Memory of Chirality: Total Synthesis of Manzacidin A

Asymmetric intermolecular conjugate addition of a-amino acid derivatives with 4 via memory of chirality has been developed. The reactions proceeded in up to 98% ee with retention of configuration at the newly formed tetrasubstituted carbon center when R = Me. The product (R = Me) was transformed into manzacidin A.