Direct catalytic asymmetric three-component Mannich reactions with dihydroxyacetone:: enantio selective synthesis of amino sugar derivatives

Highly enantioselective, amino acid-catalyzed, one-pot three-component asymmetric Mannich reactions between dihydroxyacetone, p-anisidine, and aldehydes are presented. The reactions proceeded with high chemo- and stereoselectivity and furnished the corresponding alpha, alpha'-dihydroxy-beta-aminoketones in high yields with 82-95% ee. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.