Phase- Transfer- Catalyzed Asymmetric a- Arylation of a- Amino Acid Derivatives

Highly enantioselective -arylation of -amino acid derivatives via nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) was achieved under phase-transfer conditions. Various kinds of -amino acids and aryl triflates containing a nitro group can be tolerated in this reaction to give ,-disubstituted -amino acids in good to high enantioselectivity. This reaction demonstrates a valuable method for the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of ,-disubstituted -amino acids containing an aromatic substituent.